Main Idea (theme) & Central Idea
What's the difference between a topic and a main idea?
A topic is usually one word... "friendship"..."courage"... The main idea is the message or moral of the story.
“She was elated when she saw her exam score had improved.” Using context clues, what does elated most likely mean?
very happy or excited
What does the prefix pre- mean?
before or earlier than, as in preview.
This verb tense shows that an action already happened.
What is past tense?
The word cheap often has this type of connotation.
negative connotation
What is CENTRAL IDEA?
“Folding hundreds of letters for the charity event was tedious work.” Using context clues, what does tedious most likely mean?
boring, repetitive, or hard work
What does the prefix re- mean?
again or back, as in rewrite.
This pronoun shows ownership, as in his, her, or their.
possessive pronoun
The word with a more positive connotation: determined or stubborn.
determined
What is MAIN IDEA or THEME?
The message or moral of the story that the author wants readers to understand.
“Dark clouds and strong winds gave an ominous feeling to the sky.” Using context clues, what does ominous most likely mean?
threatening, scary, or spooky
What does the suffix -ful mean?
full of, as in hopeful.
This tone is appropriate for school essays and professional writing.
Formal tone
Replacing said with whispered changes this in a sentence.
connotation
Many cities have started adding bike-sharing stations to encourage healthier transportation. These programs allow residents to rent bikes cheaply, reduce traffic, and cut pollution. City officials say the goal is to make travel easier while improving the community’s overall health.
Identify the CENTRAL IDEA
City bike-sharing programs help improve health, reduce traffic, and lower pollution.
“The vase was fragile, so she handled it very carefully.” Using context clues, what does fragile most likely mean?
Easily broken or delicate
What does the root word vis mean?
to see, as in visual.
This type of language uses exaggeration or imagery to create an effect.
figurative language
In the sentence, “The room was cramped,” the word cramped creates this type of connotation.
negative
A story where a character keeps trying even after failing several times is most likely showing this message.
Hard work pays off...never give up...the importance of perseverance
“The inquisitive student asked many questions during the science lesson.” Using context clues, what does inquisitive most likely mean?
curious or eager to learn
What does the root bio mean?
life, as in biology.
What is using surrounding words and sentences to determine a word’s meaning called?
context clues
Authors use connotation to influence the reader’s feelings and create this.
tone