Central Idea and Argument

Put a checkmark next to the statements that are true about claims:

• They are arguable

• They are found in every piece of opinion writing.

• They are all facts that cannot be argued

• They state an opinion

True or False: The central idea is directly tied to the author's main point or argument.

• False

• True

The central idea is...

• the focused idea of the text.

• a detail from the text.

• the first sentence of a paragraph.

• a quote you provide from the text.

Being able to identify the central idea of a text shows...

• that you can cite evidence from the text.

• that you know how to write.

• that you understand the text.

• that you like what you are reading.

Why are we working on central idea in high school?

• The central idea is harder to identify in complex texts.

• Identifying the central idea is a new standard in high school.

• The central idea is very easy and it is ridiculous that we are still learning about it.

• Analyzing the central idea involves more than identifying it.

In complex texts, the central idea...

• is stated and can be quoted directly from the text.

• is implied, not stated, meaning you must rely on clues in the text to find it.

• is not directly said by the author, meaning you must draw conclusions.

• is said in the title, and therefore, copying the title is a great way to find the central idea.

Which of the following is NOT a type of specific detail that could support the central idea?

• points made

• events

• conversations

• citations

What is the central idea of a text?

• A) The main point the author wants to convey.

• B) A minor detail in the text.

• C) The title of the text.

• D) A character's name.

Which of the following best describes an argument in writing?

• A) A statement of fact.

• B) A claim supported by evidence.

• C) A random opinion.

• D) A summary of the text.

True or False: The central idea is always explicitly stated in the text.

• A) True

• B) False