Main Ideas & Details

The main idea is the most important idea that an author presents in a text or a section of text.

• True
• False

Key details give important information to support the main idea.

• True
• False

If you wanted to find the main idea in a piece of writing, where would you look?

• In the first sentence
• In the first sentence of the second paragraph 
• In the last sentence of the first paragraph 
• There's no one place where the main idea is found. 

There are many fun things to do at the beach.  Swimming is one thing that can be done at the beach.  Snorkeling is another thing that can be enjoyed.  Playing beach volleyball can be a lot of fun.  It is also fun to look for shells.  Some people simply like to sunbathe.
What is the main idea?

• There are many fun things to do at the beach.
• It is also fun to look for shells.
• Some people simply like to sunbathe.
• Going to the beach to swim can be fun.

Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.  Soccer players learn how to dribble and pass the ball.  They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score.  Most importantly, soccer players learn how to work together with their teammates.
What is the main idea?

• They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score.
• Soccer players learn how to dribble.
• They learn how to work together as teammates.
• Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.

Many people have not heard giraffes make noises.  Giraffes do not use sounds to “talk” with each other.  When hurt, giraffes make a low moo, something like a cow.  When frightened, they make a short, high sound.
What is the main idea?

• Giraffes do make noises
• Giraffes talk all the time.
• Cows and giraffes talk to each other.
• Lots of people have heard giraffes talk.

Select the supporting detail that doesn't fit.
Topic Sentence: My cat is afraid of everything.

• He hides under the couch when you turn the microwave on.
• He sleeps all day long.
• He runs away when you sweep the floor.
• He jumps every time the doorbell rings.

Read the following details and determine the main idea of the words.
-theater
-candy
-popcorn
-dark

• Playing at the park.
• Going to school.
• Playing a soccer game.
• Going to the movies.

Benjamin Franklin invented many things that made life easier in the late 1700’s.  He invented the lightning rod that saved many homes from fires.  He also invented the Franklin stove.  The stove could heat a room better than a fireplace and saved people a lot of fuel.  He also invented a special kind of glasses called bifocals.  This new kind of glasses helped people to read better.

• Benjamin Franklin thought reading was important.
• Benjamin Franklin was not afraid of fire.
• Benjamin Franklin was a great inventor.
• A Franklin stove can heat a whole room.

Select the supporting detail that doesn't fit.

Topic Sentence:Doing your homework has many benefits.

• Doing your homework helps you remember the material better.

• Those who complete their homework often do better on the test.

• When you have done your homework, it makes it easier to participate in class.

• Homework takes up your precious after school time.