Identifying the main idea

What is a statement that tells what a passage is mostly about called?

• Topic

• Main idea

• Claim

What is the best question to ask yourself when you are trying to find the main idea?

• Who is the main character?

• What is one important detail?

• What is the author's main point/message in this text?

I have a dog named Boots. I taught him lots of tricks. When I tell him to, Boots will sit or lie down. He can also wave his paw to greet people. When I say, "Dance, Boots.", he will stand up on two legs and walk. I don't know of many dogs that can do such amazing tricks.

What is the main idea?

• Boots is my dog.

• Boots is very smart.

• Boots can sit.

Some kinds of bats eat many insects. Some bats can eat up to 600 mosquitos in one hour. Bats are helpful to the environment. They help us by eating insects. Without bats, we would have too many insects.

What is the main idea ?

• Bats are helpful.

• Bats eat many insects.

• Bats eat 600 mosquitos in one hour.

What are supporting details (also known as concrete details)?

• The author's discussion about the main idea in more depth.
• Statements, facts, and examples are all located within the text to help support the main idea.