Main Idea and Supporting Details

Front

What is the main idea of a text?

Back

The main idea of a text is the biggest or most important idea

Front

What are supporting details in a text?

Back

Ideas or facts about the main idea

Front

Why is it important to identify the main idea of a text?

Back

To understand the overall message or purpose of the text.

Front

How can you identify the main idea of a text?

Back

Analyze the title, headings, topic sentences, and key supporting details throughout the text.

Front

What is the story mostly about? Alex’s grandpa lives in a big city, on the 18th floor of an apartment building. From his grandpa’s windows, Alex can see the whole city. Alex used to be afraid to look out the windows, because they were up so high. But his grandpa would sit with Alex, and point out all the interesting things in the city. Now Alex likes to look out his grandpa’s windows. He can see the library, and the train station, and the park. He feels very grown up.

Back

Alex and his grandpa’s windows

Front

Is the main idea always in the first or last sentence of a reading?

Back

NO

Front

What is the story mostly about?

Back

Luca and the chickens

Front

How do supporting details help to understand the main idea?

Back

Supporting details provide evidence, examples, and explanations that help to clarify and strengthen the main idea.

Front

What is the purpose of including supporting details in a text?

Back

To provide evidence, examples, and explanations that support the main idea or thesis statement.

Front

What is the main idea of the movie Apollo 13?

Back

The main idea is in the first sentence: Apollo 13 was a blockbuster for the summer of 1995.