Find the Main Idea
What is the main idea? “Many students enjoy reading graphic novels because they mix pictures and words, making stories easier to follow.”
Graphic novels are enjoyable because they combine pictures and words.
What are supporting details?
Facts, examples, or reasons that explain or prove the main idea.
What is a theme?
The lesson, message, or moral of a story.
What is text evidence?
Information from the text that supports your answer.
Read: “Maria studied every night to improve her grades.” What’s the main idea?
Hard work helps Maria succeed in school.
The main idea of a passage tells us what?
The overall point or central message of the text.
Which sentence supports the main idea that “exercise improves mental health”?
A) Exercise makes people tired.
B) Exercise reduces anxiety and improves mood.
B) Exercise reduces anxiety and improves mood.
Theme or topic: “Love” vs. “Love conquers all.” Which is the theme?
“Love conquers all.”
What words show evidence? “The author states…” or “In paragraph 3, it says…”
Both are examples of citing text evidence.
Read: “The storm destroyed homes, but neighbors came together to rebuild.” What is the theme?
Community and teamwork help people overcome challenges.
What is the main idea? “Running is not just exercise—it’s a way to clear your mind and relieve stress.”
Running helps people relax and reduce stress.
Why are supporting details important?
They make the main idea stronger and clearer.
What theme fits? “A poor boy works hard to achieve success.”
Hard work leads to success.
Why is text evidence important?
It proves your answer is based on the text, not opinion.
Which detail supports the main idea that recycling helps the planet?
A) “It reduces trash in landfills.”
B) “It takes time to sort trash.”
A) “It reduces trash in landfills.”
How can you find the main idea in a nonfiction passage?
Look for repeated ideas, the topic sentence, and supporting details.
Identify the supporting detail: “Many animals migrate. For example, monarch butterflies travel thousands of miles each year.”
Monarch butterflies travel thousands of miles each year.
True or False: A story can have more than one theme.
True
“She was trembling as she walked into the dark room.” What evidence shows she is scared?
“She was trembling.”
Read: “Although Jay failed his first test, he didn’t give up.” What is the theme?
Perseverance leads to success.
True or False: The main idea can always be found in the first sentence.
False. Sometimes it’s implied or found at the end.
True or False: Supporting details can be opinions.
False. They are usually facts or examples.
How can you find a theme?
Look at how characters change and what lessons they learn.
True or False: You can use your opinion instead of text evidence.
False. You must support with evidence.
Read: “The author describes the garden with colorful, vivid language.” What type of detail is this?
Descriptive detail.