Main Idea & Supporting Details

Front

What is the main idea of a text?

Back

The main idea is the central point or message that the author wants to convey in a text.

Front

What are supporting details?

Back

Supporting details are facts, examples, or descriptions that help explain or reinforce the main idea.

Front

How can you identify the main idea in a paragraph?

Back

Look for the sentence that summarizes the overall message or theme of the paragraph.

Front

What is an example of a main idea?

Back

Emily went hiking.

Front

What is an example of a supporting detail?

Back

She climbed large rocks.

Front

What does it mean if a detail is NOT supporting?

Back

It means that the detail does not help explain or clarify the main idea.

Front

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

Back

The main idea provides the reader with the primary focus or theme of the text.

Front

Why are supporting details important?

Back

Supporting details provide evidence and context that strengthen the main idea.

Front

What is a strategy to find the main idea?

Back

Ask yourself what the author is trying to communicate overall.

Front

Can a text have more than one main idea?

Back

Yes, a text can have multiple main ideas, especially in longer or more complex texts.