RI 3.2: Main Ideas and Key Details

Front

What is a main idea?

Back

The big idea that the writer tries to get across; the most important thought about a topic.

Front

What is another word for key details?

Back

Supporting details.

Front

What do key details do?

Back

Support, or back up, the main idea.

Front

What would be the subject of an article called 'The History of Cranberry Sauce'?

Back

Cranberries.

Front

What is the purpose of a main idea in a text?

Back

To convey the most important thought about the topic.

Front

What are supporting details?

Back

Details that help explain or back up the main idea.

Front

How can you find the main idea of a text?

Back

Look for repeated themes or statements that summarize the content.

Front

Why are key details important?

Back

They provide evidence and examples that support the main idea.

Front

What is a summary?

Back

A brief statement that gives the main points of a text.

Front

What is the difference between a main idea and a detail?

Back

The main idea is the overall message, while details are specific pieces of information that support it.