Central Idea vs. Topic
How long should a Topic be?
Usually 1-2 words.
What is a supporting Detail?
Facts, examples, or evidence that explain or prove the central idea.
Central Idea:
Dogs need regular exercise and care to stay healthy and happy.
Topic: Dogs
In "Bloody Sunday" by Tod Olson, WHO was the article about?
John Lewis
Who was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on the bus?
Rosa Parks
How long should a Central Idea be?
Central ideas are full sentences.
Which detail BEST supports the central idea?
Central Idea:
Drinking enough water helps the body stay healthy.
Details:
A. Water helps regulate body temperature and carry nutrients through the body.
B. Many people prefer flavored drinks such as soda or juice.
C. Some athletes wear special shoes during sports competitions.
A. Water helps regulate body temperature and carry nutrients through the body.
(B and C relate to health or lifestyle but do not support the idea about water helping the body stay healthy.)
Central Idea:
Eating fruits and vegetables every day helps people maintain a healthy diet.
Topic: Healthy eating (or nutrition)
How old was John Lewis when he began fighting for civil rights?
18 years old
What does the word Boycott mean?
To withdraw from commercial or social relations with (a country, organization, or person) as a punishment or protest.
What is a Topic?
What the text is mostly about.
Which detail BEST supports the central idea?
Central Idea:
Recycling paper helps protect forests.
Details:
A. Paper can be used to make books, newspapers, and notebooks.
B. Recycling paper reduces the number of trees that must be cut down.
C. Many offices use printers and copy machines during the workday.
B. Recycling paper reduces the number of trees that must be cut down.
(B and C are about paper, but they do not explain how recycling protects forests.)
Central Idea:
Recycling materials like paper, plastic, and glass can help reduce pollution and protect natural resources.
Topic: Recycling
Why did John Lewis attempt to lead a peaceful protest march from Selma to Montgomery?
To demand one of the most basic of freedoms: the right to vote.
Her arrest upset many people in the African American community, including which major Civil Rights leader?
Martin Luther King Jr.
What is a Central Idea?
The main message the author wants you to understand about the topic.
Which detail BEST supports the central idea?
Central Idea:
Reading historical diaries can help people understand the past.
Details:
A. Many museums display clothing and tools from earlier time periods.
B. Some history textbooks include maps and photographs.
C. Diaries often describe daily life and personal experiences during historical events.
C. Diaries often describe daily life and personal experiences during historical events.
(B and C relate to learning history, but they do not support the specific idea about diaries.)
Central Idea:
Exploring space helps scientists learn more about how planets form and how the universe works.
Topic: Space exploration
When Alabama's state troopers attacked protesters on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, what happened to John Lewis?
His skull was broken from being struck with a club.
For more than a year, thousands of African Americans refused to ride the buses. How did they travel during this time?
Many people walked long distances to work or shared rides with neighbors.
Which of the following is the Topic and Central Idea?
1.) Civil Rights
2.) Frederick Douglass believed that speaking out about injustice could inspire others to demand freedom.
TOPIC: Civil Rights
CENTRAL IDEA: Frederick Douglass believed that speaking out about injustice could inspire others to demand freedom.
Which detail BEST supports the central idea?
Central Idea:
Learning a second language can improve communication with people from other cultures.
Details:
A. Knowing another language allows people to speak directly with individuals who may not speak English.
B. Many schools offer language classes such as Spanish or French.
C. Some countries celebrate holidays with traditional food and music.
A. Knowing another language allows people to speak directly with individuals who may not speak English.
(B and C relate to languages or cultures, but they do not support the communication benefit stated in the central idea.)
Central Idea:
Facing difficult challenges can help people develop resilience and confidence.
Topic: Personal growth (or overcoming challenges)
Before marching from Selma to Montgomery, why did protesters want to fill Selma's jail?
The protesters wanted to fill Selma’s jails until they made the news. Hopefully, other Americans would notice and join the call for change.
What year did the Supreme Court rule that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional?
1956