Finding the Main Idea

What is the main idea of a passage?

• The first sentence of a text

• The last sentence of a text

• The point of the passage

• Somewhere in the middle of the text

True/False: Being able to accurately determine the main idea shows that you understand the text.

• True

• False

What are some things to consider when determining the main idea?

• The title

• Repeated words/phrases

• Details within the text

• The first and last sentences

What is the first step to determining the main idea of a text?

• Identify what the author is saying about the topic

• Read the text

• Identify the topic

What is the main idea of the text?

Although many people think a koala is a bear, it is not. The koala is a type of mammal called a marsupial. A kangaroo is also a marsupial. These mammals carry their babies in a pouch. The kangaroo’s pouch is on her stomach, but the koala’s pouch is on her back. Both feed their babies milk and keep them secure in their pouch until they are strong enough to survive on their own.

• A koala is not a bear

• A koala and a kangaroo are nothing alike.

• A koala and a kangaroo are exactly the same.

• A koala and a kangaroo are similar, but with some differences.

Write the main idea: The history of surgery is fascinating. When we think of surgeons today, we think of highly educated doctors who have trained for years in their specialty area. Surgeons of today are very skilled and have a very high success rate. They operate in sterile conditions and with the aid of imaging such as x‐ray, CT scans, or MRIs. But this wasn't always the case. In fact, in the Middle Ages, the barbers in a community were also the surgeons. Can you imagine that? Going to the same place for surgery that you would to get your hair cut. Seems strange to us today, but it was the common practice in those days. They also knew nothing about sterile techniques and even operated without gloves. They also used rudimentary tools such as saws and pliers. The worst part, there was no anesthesia. Sadly, most surgery patients died from infection. They also didn't understand the way the body worked at that time. They would drill holes in people's head to let the demons out and cut off a leg with a rusty saw. It is a wonder that anybody survived a surgery during those times. Over the years, surgical techniques improved and eventually evolved into the highly trained field it is today. We are lucky to live in a time in which medical advancements abound.