Main Idea
What is a main idea?
A main idea is the most important part of a paragraph.
What is a supporting detail?
Supporting details are details that tell you more about the main idea.
The main idea is: '
a. the topic or subject of a passage or story.
b. what the passage or story is mostly about.
c. all of the story elements in a passage or story.
B. What the passage or story is mostly about.
How do you determine the main idea of a passage?
You read the passage/story and figure out what the text is mostly about.
You think what is the author trying to tell me about the story.
Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful sights in North America.It is on the Niagra River about halfway between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.Niagara Falls is on the American and Canadian border.The American Falls is 167 feet high.On the Canadian side, the Horseshoe Falls is 161 feet high.What is the main idea of the paragraph?
Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful sights in North America.
Kangaroos protect themselves in many ways. If a kangaroo senses danger, they will bang their tail on the ground to warn the others. A new born joey is only the size of your thumb.What is the supporting detail?
If a kangaroo senses danger, they will bang their tail on the ground to warn the others.
Many times you can find the main idea:
a. in the first or last sentence of a passage.
b. in the title of a passage.
c. both answers a and b.
C
Pizza is a favorite food in the United States. Pizza is from Italy, and it originated in the late 1800s. It became popular in the United States after World War II. People like to add toppings. Some toppings are pepperoni, sausage, and vegetables. These toppings give pizza more flavor. Pepperoni is America’s favorite topping. T/F: The main idea is "Pizza originated in Italy"
FALSE
Kangaroos are strange looking animals. Some kangaroos act as guards to protect the mob. They have small front legs and huge hind legs with great big feet.What is the supporting detail in the paragraph?
They have small front legs and huge hind legs with great big feet.
Supporting details:
a. help show evidence to prove the main idea.
b. are not important.
c. are made up on your own and cannot be found in a passage
A. Help show evidence to prove the main idea.
Seated on his throne, King Midas wore a golden crown. He had golden rings on each finger and held a golden scepter. His vest was embroidered with golden thread and even his shoes had golden ornaments. He had a golden box filled with gold coins. He named his daughter Marigold.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
King Midas loved gold.
Kangaroos eat grasses, leaves and roots. The joey lives in the mother's pouch for 9 months.They only like grass that is green and close to the ground.What is the main idea of the paragraph?
Kangaroos eat grasses, leaves and roots.
DAILY DOUBLE: Kangaroos are mostly night time creatures. Kangaroos have a long powerful tail.They sleep during the day under a shady tree or bush.What is the supporting detail in the paragraph?
They sleep during the day under a shady tree or bush.
Sometimes you have to come up with a main idea on your own because it is not written in the text.
True or False
False
If you are feeling sad, you can make yourself feel better by doing a few simple things. You can take a walk (or get another form of exercise), you can talk to a friend, or you can write down your feelings. Writing down the good things in your life will help too. Doing something good for someone else will also help you feel better. It works like magic to make you feel better!
What is the main idea?
There are many ways to make yourself feel better.
Kangaroos usually have only one baby at a time.Kangaroo babies are called joeys.Kangaroos eat grass and leaves.What is the supporting detail?
Kangaroo babies are called joeys.
Supporting details can be found in the passage or story.
True or False
Eva wanted to surprise her sister Cindy for her birthday. She decided to plan a picnic for her sister. She made two sandwiches and put them in a bag. Then she put some cookies and bottles of water in the bag. When she told Cindy about the surprise, Cindy her sister a big hug. Then the girls walked to the park.
What is the main idea?
Eva planned a picnic to surprise her sister