Vocabulary
the central point in a story; what the story is mostly about
main idea
Dinosaurs used to live on Earth before becoming extinct.
What is the topic of the sentence? (one word answer)
dinosaurs
Sharks have a lot of teeth. A shark may have up to 3,000 teeth at one time. Shark teeth grow in rows. When a shark loses a tooth, it is replaced by a new tooth from the row behind it. A shark may have over 20,000 teeth over the course of its life.
What is the main idea of the paragraph?
Sharks have a lot of teeth.
Ms. Horner loves to play games. Her favorite board game is Monopoly because it requires luck and skill. Ms. Horner also likes to play outdoor games, such as volleyball. She even plays video games sometimes.
What is one supporting detail?
Her favorite board game is Monopoly because it requires luck and skill. Ms. Horner also likes to play outdoor games, such as volleyball. She even plays video games sometimes.
Think about my dinner example: Which part was the table? (Topic, Main Idea, Details)
Topic
1-3 words that tell you about the subject
topic
You might not know what a mascot is, but you've probably seen one. Some mascots are for products. Tony the Tiger is an example. He sells cereal. Schools and sports teams also have mascots. Mascots help get the crowd involved.
What is the topic?
mascots
I saw many museums and monuments in Washington D.C. The Air and Space Museum is my favorite. I also liked the Smithsonian Museum. Our tour guide showed us the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. There were many more that we didn't get to.
What is the main idea?
I saw many museums and monuments in Washington D.C.
Penguins are different than most birds. They are flightless, which means they cannot fly. Penguins spend half of their time on land and half of their time in water. Other birds, like eagles, spend most of their time in the sky.
What is one supporting detail?
They are flightless, which means they cannot fly. Penguins spend half of their time on land and half of their time in water. Other birds, like eagles, spend most of their time in the sky.
Think about my dinner example: Which part was the side dishes? (Topic, Main Idea, Details)
details
pieces of information that tell you more about the main idea
details
My mom taught me how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. First, spread the peanut butter on a slice of bread. Next, put the jelly on another slice of bread. Finally, put the two slices of bread together and enjoy.
What is the topic?
making a PB&J sandwich
In the fall, people like to go to pumpkin patches. They also go to corn mazes and haunted houses. Halloween takes place in the fall, and people can go trick or treating.
What is the main idea that should go before these details?
There are many activities that people enjoy in the fall.
My dog knows how to do many tricks.
What is a detail that could follow this sentence?
He knows how to sit, fetch, walk, play, and roll over.
Think about my dinner example: Which part was the entree? (Topic, Main Idea, Details)
Main Idea