Main Idea &
Key Details
Key Details
What a text is mostly about
What is the Main Idea?
Clues in a sentence that help you figure out the meaning of a word.
What are 'context clues'?
Identify the text structure:
This morning I woke up and got ready for school. At school, I had a math test and then we went to lunch and had recess. After school I had track practice. Finally, I made it back home, had dinner and got ready for bed.
What is 'Chronological order'?
The lesson or message of a story.
What is 'theme'?
A conclusion you make based on clues in the text and what you already know.
What is an 'inference'?
A comparison of two things using 'like' or 'as'.
What is a simile?
Supports the main idea by giving more specific information
What are key details / text evidence?
If a character “sprinted,” this word most likely means this.
What is 'ran quickly'?
Identify the text structure:
Dogs and cats are both popular pets, but they have many differences. Dogs are usually more active and enjoy going on walks, while cats are often more independent and like to relax indoors. Both animals can be loving companions, but dogs often seek attention more, whereas cats may prefer quiet time alone.
What is 'compare & contrast'?
Identify the author's purpose:
Bats are unique mammals that are able to fly using their wings, which are made of thin skin stretched over long finger bones. Most bats are active at night and use echolocation, a system of sounds and echoes, to find food in the dark. They play an important role in nature by eating insects and helping pollinate plants. Bats can be found in many parts of the world and often live in caves, trees, or even buildings.
What is 'inform'?
If a character is shivering and wearing a coat, you can infer this.
What is 'it is cold'?
A comparison saying one this IS another thing.
What is a metaphor?
The main idea of a story about a boy practicing piano every day to be ready for his recital
The meaning of “gloomy” in: “The sky was gloomy and dark before the storm.”
What is 'dark or sad'?
Identify the text structure:
When the rainstorm began, dark clouds filled the sky and strong winds started to blow. Because the rain fell so heavily, the streets quickly flooded and cars had to slow down. As a result of the storm, the soccer game was canceled and everyone went home early. Since the power went out in some neighborhoods, families used flashlights and candles until it was restored.
What is 'cause & effect'?
Identify the theme:
Liam was playing with his friend Noah when a ball accidentally knocked over a stack of books in the classroom. When the teacher asked what happened, Liam quickly said Noah did it. Noah looked surprised and hurt, and Liam felt a heavy, uncomfortable feeling in his chest. Later, Liam realized he had been unfair and went to tell the teacher the truth. He apologized to Noah, who forgave him, and Liam learned that being honest is important for keeping trust with friends.
Always tell the truth.
If a character slams a door , stomps their feet and crosses their arms, you can infer this feeling.
What is 'anger or frustration'?
Giving human qualities to animals or objects.
What is personification?
If a paragraph talks about bees collecting nectar, how they pass nectar to other bees, how they add enzymes to the nectar to turn it into honey and place the honey into honeycombs (hexagon-shaped cells), this is the main idea.
What is how bees make honey?
A synonym for “enormous.”
What is 'huge or very big'?
Identify the text structure:
Pugs are small, sturdy dogs with round bodies and short legs that give them a compact, cuddly appearance. Their wrinkled faces and large, dark eyes make them look expressive and curious, often as if they are smiling. They have short, smooth coats that can be fawn or black, and their tightly curled tails rest neatly over their backs. Pugs are known for their playful, friendly personalities and love being close to their owners, often following them from room to room.
What is 'descriptive'?
Identify the author's purpose:
Recess should be longer because students need time to move, play, and recharge their minds. When kids have more time outside, they come back to class more focused and ready to learn. A longer recess also helps students build friendships and practice teamwork through games and activities. If schools want students to do their best, they should give them enough time to take a real break.
What is 'persuade'?
If a character is smiling, packing their bag quickly, and watching the clock, what can you infer?
What is 'the character is excited or looking forward to something?'?
Identify the figurative language in the sentence below:
In the sentence “I’ve told you a million times to clean your room,” what type of figurative language is used?
a. onomatopoeia
b. hyperbole
c. personification
d. simile
What is 'hyperbole'?
Why authors include details/evidence in a text.
What is 'to support the main idea'?
In the sentence “She was exhausted after the long hike,” exhausted most likely means this.
What is 'very tired'?
Identify the text structure:
The playground at school had become messy, with trash scattered on the ground and equipment left out of place. This made it less safe and less enjoyable for students to use. To solve the problem, the class decided to organize a cleanup day and create rules about putting equipment away after use. As a result, the playground became cleaner, safer, and more fun for everyone.
What is 'problem & solution'?
Identify the theme:
Maya and Jordan were building a model bridge for their class project, but at first they argued about how to design it and nothing seemed to work. After a while, they decided to listen to each other’s ideas. Maya focused on making the base strong while Jordan worked on the supports, and they tested different ways to improve it. When they finished, their bridge held more weight than any other in the class, and they smiled at each other, proud of what they had built together.
What is 'teamwork leads to success'?
If a student proudly shows their test to a friend and is grinning, what can you infer?
What is 'the student is happy or proud of their work'?
In the sentence “When it was time to present, Mia had butterflies in her stomach,” what does the idiom mean?
What is 'Mia feels nervous'?