Main Idea
What is the main idea of a text?
The main idea of a text is the most important message or point that the author wants to share.
What are the three common purposes an author might have when writing?
Persuade
Inform
Entertain
What is textual evidence?
information or quotes from a text that supports your ideas and helps prove your point
What does it mean to understand a character's perspective?
Understanding a character's perspective means seeing things from their point of view and knowing why they feel and act the way they do.
How can you identify the main idea in a paragraph?
The main idea may be stated in the first sentence of a paragraph and then be repeated or restated at the end of the paragraph
How can you tell if an author is trying to persuade you?
By looking for strong opinions and emotional language.
Why is textual evidence important when making a claim about a text?
It helps support your ideas by backing up your point
Conflicting View Points
What is the main idea of "Little Red Riding Hood?".
A young girl who goes to visit her grandmother, but encounters a cunning wolf along the way
What is the author's purpose of "The Great Fire"?
To INFORM readers about the events and impact of the Great Chicago Fire, while also showing how it affected the city and its people
What form of punctuation do you use when citing text evidence?
Quotation Marks
1. Thoughts
2. Feelings
3. Actions
How does the main idea help you understand the text better?
By showing you what the story is really about, which makes it easier to remember important details and lessons
Why might an author choose to entertain their audience?
To make the reading experience enjoyable
How can you find textual evidence?
key sections, headings, and any highlighted information
What was the myth of how the fire started in "The Great Fire"?
The cow kicked over a lantern while being milked by Mrs.O'leary
What is the difference between main idea and supporting details?
main idea tells you what the story is about, while supporting details give extra information that helps explain it
How does knowing the author's purpose help you understand a text better?
Reveals why the author wrote it and tells us the main idea.
How can textual evidence make your writing stronger?
Helps support your claim
Why is it important to look at different character perspectives when you analyze a story?
It helps you understand their actions and feelings