Show:
Main Idea
Supporting Details
Main Idea or Supporting Details?
Theme
Central Idea
100

What is a main idea?

A main idea is the most important part of a paragraph.

100
What is a supporting detail?
Supporting details are details that tell you more about the main idea.
100

Kangaroos usually live in family groups called mobs.

Supporting Detail

100

What is theme?

The moral and/or lesson the author is teaching you in which you will be able to apply in the real world.

100

What is Central Idea?

The "big idea" the author wants you to understand.

200
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.
200
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.
200
My house is strong.
Main Idea
200

True or false: A story can have more than 1 theme.

True

200

How to authors build the central idea?

Main ideas and supporting details.

300
The Statue of Liberty is visited by thousands of people every year. The Statue of Liberty is a 151 foot statue of a woman holding a book and a torch. It is located on an island in New York Harbor. It was a gift of friendship from the people of France.It has become a universal symbol of freedom.What is the main idea of the paragraph?
The Statue of Liberty is visited by thousands of people every year.
300
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.
300
Dolphins are smart animals.
Main Idea
300

The theme is something you need to ______, since it is not directly stated.

Infer

300

True or False: There can be multiple central ideas in a text. 

False

400
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.
400
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.
400
The Willis Tower is the tallest building in Chicago.
Main idea
400

True or false: Two stories can share the same theme.

True

400

True or false: Each paragraph DOES NOT have a Main Idea.

False

500
The Erie Canal changed the way people moved goods and supplies in the mid 1800's.The 363 mile canal connected Albany, New York to Lake Erie in Buffalo for the first time. When the canal opened in 1825, building supplies and goods could be transported quickly and cheaply across New York State.Canal boats pulled by mules carried people and supplies the 363 miles.What is the main idea of the paragraph?
The Erie Canal changed the way people moved goods and supplies in the mid 1800's.
500
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.
500
These mobs can be as large as 100 kangaroos.
Supporting Detail
500

Sarah practiced everyday for 3 hours and went on to the Olympics to win the gold medal.

1. Hard work pays off. 2. Practice makes perfect. 3. Winners never quit.

500

Sometimes the author will _______ or _______ state the central idea in the first and/or last paragraph.

Directly or indirectly