Main Idea and Supporting Details Lesson

What do we call the sentences that justify the main idea?

• supporting details

• key words

• main characters

• central ideas

Story:
An American art form began in 1938. That’s when the first comic book starring Superman came out. The Man of Steel was a superhero. Kids and adults both enjoyed these comic books.They liked the fact that the good guy always won. The comics sold well. Soon Batman and Robin had their own series of comic books. Over time Marvel Comics came up with more superheroes. They launched Spiderman and X-Men. These characters were very popular. Toys, games, and clothing featured them. Now, all these comic book characters have had their own movies.
What is the main idea?

• In a comic book, the superhero always wins.

• Superman was the first comic book hero.

• Over time, comic book superheroes have gained in popularity.

• Toys and games feature superheroes. 

Story:
All bicycle riders, young and old, should have the right equipment to practice bicycle safety. Bike parts such as tires and brakes must be in proper working condition.Each bicycle should have reflectors so that the rider can be seen from the front, back, and sides. A bell or horn can help prevent accidents, too. Bicycle riders should always wear a helmet to protect their head from an accident.
What is the main idea?

• Bicycle riders need to know hand signals.

• Bicycle riders need to get reflectors.

• Bicycle riders need the right equipment to practice bicycle safety.

• Bicycle riders should always wear a helmet.

There are many famous skateboarders in the United States.

What supporting detail would NOT go with this main idea?

• Tony Hawk became famous for his half pipe tricks.

• Shaun White is a professional skateboarder and snowboarder.

• With his own television show, Ryan Sheckler is the youngest skateboarder on the pro-circuit.

• The trick called the “Ollie” was created in the 1970’s.

Main Idea:
To scuba dive you need a lot of special equipment.

What supporting detail would NOT go with this main idea?

• Scuba divers prefer the waters of the Caribbean.

• A mask is used to help the scuba diver see things underwater.

• A scuba diver uses an oxygen tank to breathe under water.

• Flippers make swimming in the ocean much easier.

Where is the main  idea located?

• First Sentence

• Anywhere in the passage

• In the End

• Nowhere

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

• Who is the main character?

• What is the main event?

• What is one important detail?

• What point is the author trying to make?

What do you call "what the story/passage is mostly about" in informational text?

• main idea

• theme

• inference

• plot

Frogs are amazing jumpers.

What detail would support this main idea?

• Frogs use their tongue to catch flies.

• A tadpole is the name of a young frog.

• The Fire-belly Toad has slightly warty skin.

• Frogs have long, powerful legs which help them leap long distances.

Octopuses have many different ways to hide themselves from predators.

What detail would support this main idea?

• Octopuses have two eyes and four pairs of arms.

• Octopuses like to live in coral reefs.

• Octopuses use camouflage to disguise themselves.

• Octopuses move about by crawling or swimming.