Topics and Main Ideas

What is a topic?

• It's who or what the passage is about

• It's the sequence of a story

• It's the author's point of view

What is the topic?

bananas, oranges, lemons, apples

• yellow things

• fruit

• my favorite foods

• sports

What is the topic?

green, blue, purple, red

• colors

• things

• animals

• people

What is the topic?

pants, shirt, socks, shoes

• animals

• clothes

• games

• colors

What is the main idea?

• It's the author's point of view

• It's what the passage is mostly about

• It's the sequence of the story.

What does the MAIN IDEA of a story tell the reader?

• The most important idea about a topic or a story.

• The conflict of the story

What at is the main idea of this paragraph?

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.

• 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.

If you are feeling sad, you can make yourself feel better by doing a few simple things. You can take a walk (or get another form of exercise), you can talk to a friend, or you can write down your feelings. Writing down the good things in your life will help too. Doing something good for someone else will also help you feel better. If you still feel a little sad, act happy. It works like magic to make you feel better!
What is the main idea?

• Sometimes people feel sad.
• You should do good things for others.
• We're not always happy.
• There are many ways to make yourself feel better. 

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.

Is this a topic or a main idea?

animals

• main idea

• topic