Main Idea and Theme
The main idea of a paragraph is the author's message about the topic. It is often expressed directly or it can be implied.
What is the meaning of a "main idea"?
Hints found within a sentence, paragraph, or passage that a reader can use to understand the meanings of new or unfamiliar words.
What are context clues?
If I see on TV that rain is coming I would assume…
That I need an umbrella.
At the amusement park, Ashley read a sign to her younger brother
“You must be this tall two get on this ride.” : The sign should have used which version of “To, “Too”, or Two”?
What is To?
This is what's known as the author's message or a truth found within the text.
What is the "theme"?
The restaurant was formal, so I bought a new suit. What does "formal" mean?
What does it mean to look upscale and dressy?
If I keep eating junk food, you could assume that..
I will not be very healthy. I will get sick and have cavities.
On a test, Stephanie wrote for an answer: “You can find this over their”. She lost points but it could have been prevented if she used which version of “Their, There or They’re”
What is There?
In the story "A Boy Who Cried Wolf", we learn a story about a boy who goes around lying about wolf attacks. We see what happens every time he lies about an attack. What is the "theme" of the story?
If you constantly lie or play pranks, people will not believe you when you tell the truth.
The student strives to get an A on the test. What does "strives" mean?
Try or Tries
If I have a new classmate who came in the middle of the school year, I could assume that…
The new classmate is nervous and may just need new friends.
What would have been the correct version of “For, Four or Fore”?
What is for?
What is another way to describe the main idea?
The main idea is what the passage or reading section is mainly about.
The girl had a very distinct way of dressing. She did not dress like the rest of the crowd. What does "distinct" mean?
Different
If I went to sleep late at night, you could assume that…
I will be very tired and sleepy the next day.
After finishing her project board Christine wrote “Were very close to finding water on Mars”
What is the correct form of “we’re” or “were”?
What is We’re?
What is the difference between the main idea of a story and the theme of a story?
The main idea is mostly what the story is about (a short summary). The theme is the life lesson or moral that the author wants us to remember. It may have nothing to do with the details of the story itself.
The auditorium was filled to a capacity. I do not think we will find an empty seat. What does "capacity" mean?
The largest amount possible.
If someone said that they have a fever (coughing, sneezing and other symptoms), you can assume that..
I have some sort of illness like the flu or COVID
Amber passed a note to her friend Jennifer saying “I like English more then Math”.
What is the correct form of “then or than”?
What is Than?