Main Idea
What is main idea?
Main idea is what the text is mostly about.
What is theme?
Theme is the message or lesson that can be learned from the text.
What is an inference?
An inference is a logical guess based off of text evidence and our own prior knowledge.
What is text evidence?
Evidence from the text that supports specific concepts, or what the text explicitly says.
What does explicit mean?
stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.
What is the main idea of the story Cinderella?
Cinderella is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters and isn't allowed to go to the ball. After a magical night, and some help from her fairy godmother and a glass slipper, all of Cinderella's dreams come true.
What is a possible theme for the story Cinderella?
If you believe and follow your heart, then all your dreams will come true.
If I were answering the question: "How should a new student act on the first day of school at Burton?", which is an important detail? A. Burton is in Glendale, Arizona. B. Kids at Burton appreciate a person who is kind and friendly. C. You should have all of your information (phone number, address, etc.) ready when you come to register at Burton.
B. Kids at Burton appreciate a person who is kind and friendly.
What is the first thing we annotate on a test?
The questions.
What is the difference between the words ascend and descend?
Ascend means to go up or climb. Descend means to move downward.
The St. Lawrence Seaway was a joint project of the United States and Canada. Together, the two countries built a series of canals, locks, and channels. They connect the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean by way of the St. Lawrence River. The seaway opened up the central part of North America to shipping to and from Europe. It has been in use since 1959. What is the main idea of the passage?
The St. Lawrence Seaway connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean; opening up the central part of North America to imports from other countries.
What is the difference between a theme and a topic?
A topic is one word, whereas a theme is a statement. Both can state the message of a text.
I travel with elephants. I'm surrounded by bright colours. I perform in a tent. I like heights. People look up when they watch me, And are nervous when they see me. My job is to walk very carefully across something. Who Am I?
A tightrope walker.
The boy rode his bike to his friend's house after dinner. When he got there, he rang the bell. He waited, but no one came to the door. He looked in the driveway. The car was not there. There were no lights on and the windows were all closed. The boy got back on his bike and went home. What evidence supports the inference that no one was home.
No one answered the door; the car was not there; there were no lights on; the windows were all closed.
What does the word qualm mean?
an uneasy feeling of doubt, worry, or fear, especially about one's own conduct
Tim Cordes went blind as a teen. He did not let his blindness stop him. He learned how to water ski and how to canoe. He learned how to write music. He became a black belt in karate. He carried the Olympic torch in 2002. After school he became a doctor. What is the main idea?
Despite being blind, Tim Cordes was able to accomplish many amazing things.
Mrs. Smith was doing a unit on healthy living with her students. All week she taught her students about eating the correct foods like fruits and vegetables. Over the weekend, some of Mrs. Smith's students were at the mall and saw her eating pizza, a milkshake, and candy. Mrs. Smith's student Molly was going to order a salad, but now decided to order junk food too. What is the theme?
Actions speak louder than words.
There are many things to see. Many farm animals are on display. The midway is full of people playing games and eating food. There is also a place where you can go on many different rides. What is the place?
A fair or carnival.
The room was a mess! Pots and pans were piled in the sink. Drawers and cabinets were flung open. Chocolate chips dotted the floor and empty cartons were on a sticky counter, but the smell was delicious. What evidence supports the inference that someone made chocolate chip cookies.
Pots and pans were piled in the sink; chocolate chips dotted the floor; the smell was delicious.
What does the word obsolete mean?
no longer produced or used; out of date
How do we find the main idea of a text?
Looking at the title, headings, or subheadings; looking for repeated topics or phrases; looking in the introduction and conclusion paragraphs.
Julia wanted to become a doctor for as long as she could remember. In college when her friends were out at the mall or going out with friends, Julia spent all of her time studying. At graduation, Julia graduated with high honors and was offered a job at a hospital shortly after. What is a possible theme for the passage?
Hard work pays off in the end.
The girl saved all her money. It was exactly what she wanted. She imagined gliding down the road pedaling effortlessly. She finally had enough money to make her dream come true. What was her dream?
To own a bicycle.
The girl saved all her money. It was exactly what she wanted. She imagined gliding down the road pedaling effortlessly. She finally had enough money to make her dream come true. What evidence supports the inference that the girl wants to buy a bike?
pedaling; gliding down the road; she finally had enough money
What does the word poised mean?
having a composed and self-assured manner