Main Idea and Supporting Details Vocab

What is the best definition for summarize?

• the pattern an author constructs as he organizes his or her ideas and provides supporting details

• to combine elements and parts to form a coherent whole

• the way or pattern in which an author organizes ideas within a text

• to reduce large sections of text to their essential points and main idea.

What is the best definition for key ideas?

• to combine elements and parts to form a coherent whole

• important ideas throughout a work that support the central message, theme, tone, etc.

• the pattern an author constructs as he organizes his or her ideas and provides supporting details

• to reduce large sections of text to their essential points and main idea.

Sentences in a paragraph or piece of text that explains or supports the main idea of the text.

• Supporting Details

• Claim

• Author's Purpose

• Argument

Mark wanted to be a great skater, but he didn't want to spend the hours practicing. He wished he could just do the tricks easily. Mark's dream was to have everyone stop and stare when he entered the skate park. He wanted them to say, "Mark is the best skater in the whole world." What is the main idea?

• Mark wants everyone to think he's a great skater without doing the hard work.

• Mark practices very hard to become a great skater.

• Mark is the best skater at the park.

• Mark wants to learn how to skate so he can compete.

I can't wait until this weekend! We’re going to my grandparents’ house, and my entire family will be there. I will spend most of my time playing games with my cousins. We always have such a good time together! The day goes by so fast, and by the end, we are all exhausted. However, we still don’t want to leave!
What is the main idea?

• Weekends are times to travel.

• The author enjoys spending time with her family.

• The author's grandparents live far away.

• The author is sad to leave her cousins.

Seated on his throne, King Midas wore a golden crown. He had golden rings on each finger and held a golden scepter. His vest was embroidered with golden thread and even his shoes had golden ornaments. He had a golden box filled with gold coins. He named his daughter Marigold.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?

• King Midas loved gold.

• King Midas sold lots of gold.

• King Midas had a heart of gold.

• King Midas hated gold.

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. 

Which sentence is a supporting detail that you should get enough sleep?

• Many people sleep later on the weekends.

• Caffeine keeps some people awake at night.

• Dark rooms are best for sleeping.

• Seven to nine hours keeps you refreshed the next day.

I can't wait until this weekend! We’re going to my grandparents’ house, and my entire family will be there. I will spend most of my time playing games with my cousins. We always have such a good time together! The day goes by so fast, and by the end, we are all exhausted. However, we still don’t want to leave!
What would be the best supporting detail to add?

• We always have a large, yummy meal that everyone helps cook.

• The author enjoys spending time with her family.

• Weekends are a good time to travel.

• The author is sad to leave her cousins.

What is the best definition for 'main idea'?

• A) The central point or message that an author wants to convey in a text.

• B) The details that support the central message of a text.

• C) The conclusion drawn from the text.

• D) The introduction of a text.