Main Idea
What is the main idea of a paragraph or passage?
The central point or most important message the author wants to convey
What does it mean to summarize a passage?
To retell the main points in a shorter form using your own words
What are supporting details?
Facts, examples, and explanations that help explain the main idea
What are the three main reasons an author writes a text?
To persuade, to inform, or to entertain—PIE.
What is a text structure?
The way a text is organized.
True or False: The main idea is always found in the first sentence
False
What should you leave out when writing a summary?
Minor details, opinions, and examples.
Which of the following is a supporting detail for the main idea: "Exercise is important for a healthy lifestyle"?
A. Jogging for 30 minutes a day can improve heart health.
B. Some people prefer pizza over salad.
C. Dogs are great companions for long walks.
A
If a passage gives lots of facts and statistics, what is the author's purpose?
To inform
Name two common text structures.
Cause and effect, compare and contrast, sequence, problem and solution, description.
Read the paragraph below. What is the main idea?
Paragraph:
Volcanoes are openings in the Earth's surface that allow molten rock, ash, and gases to escape. Some volcanoes erupt violently, while others release lava more slowly. Scientists study volcanoes to understand how they work and to help predict future eruptions, which can save lives.
Volcanoes are natural openings in the Earth that scientists study to better understand and predict eruptions.
Explanation: This sentence covers both what volcanoes are and why they’re important, summarizing the key points of the paragraph.
Which of these is the best summary of the paragraph below?
Many teens today use social media to stay connected with friends and family. Apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat allow users to post photos and videos, comment, and chat instantly. However, too much social media use can interfere with sleep, school, and real-life relationships.
A. Social media apps are fun to use.
B. Teens use social media to connect, but it can have negative effects if overused.
C. Instagram and TikTok are the most popular apps for teenagers.
B
Why are supporting details important in nonfiction texts?
They help prove the author’s point and help the reader understand the main idea.
A story about a boy who befriends a dragon and goes on an adventure—what’s the author's purpose?
To entertain
If a passage explains how something happens step-by-step, what text structure is used?
Sequence or chronological order
How can a reader figure out the main idea if it's not directly stated?
By looking at repeated ideas, supporting details, and what the passage is mostly about
A summary should include the main idea and what else?
The most important supporting details
Identify two supporting details in this paragraph:
Recycling is one of the easiest ways to help the environment. It reduces the amount of waste in landfills and saves natural resources. For example, recycling paper reduces the number of trees that need to be cut down. It also saves energy that would be used to produce new materials from scratch.
"It reduces the amount of waste in landfills."
"Recycling paper reduces the number of trees that need to be cut down."
Read the paragraph. Is the author trying to inform, persuade, or entertain?
Every year, Americans throw away millions of plastic bottles. These bottles take hundreds of years to decompose and often end up polluting oceans. We must all do our part by reducing plastic use and recycling whenever possible.
Persuade
Which text structure compares similarities and differences?
Compare and contrast
A student says the main idea of a passage is "Dogs are loyal pets." Another says, "Dogs are better than cats." Which is more likely correct and why?
“Dogs are loyal pets” is more likely correct because it is a neutral and supported central idea, not an opinion or comparison
Rewrite this passage as a summary in one or two sentences.
Honeybees play a crucial role in pollinating crops like apples, almonds, and blueberries. Without bees, many of the foods we eat would become harder to grow and more expensive. Unfortunately, bee populations have been declining due to pesticide use, loss of habitat, and disease. Scientists and farmers are working together to find solutions and protect bee colonies.
Honeybees are essential for pollinating many crops, but their populations are shrinking due to pesticides, habitat loss, and disease. Efforts are being made to help protect them.
How can you tell the difference between a supporting detail and a minor detail?
Supporting details are essential to the main idea, while minor details are extra information.
How can you tell if an author is trying to persuade you? Name two clues.
Use of opinions, strong language, or trying to convince the reader to do something.
Read this paragraph. Identify the text structure and explain your reasoning.
Eating breakfast in the morning helps students perform better in school. Without food, students often feel tired, unfocused, or even grumpy. To avoid this, students should try to eat something nutritious, like fruit or oatmeal, before heading to class.
Text Structure: Cause and effect
Reasoning: The paragraph explains the effects of not eating breakfast and the benefits of doing so.