Main Idea and Details

The main idea is what the story or paragraph is __________ about.

• mostly

• only

• never

• sometimes

What is the main (or central) idea?

• Bella is turning fifteen.

• Bella’s dress is peach colored.

• Bella’s birthday party will be very elegant.

• Bella's parents spent a lot of money on her party.

Which detail is irrelevant and should be removed from the paragraph?

• Chad was born in a small town in India.

• Chad had finished making the gold chain for the necklace.

• He was polishing the pearls to be placed on the earrings.

• Next, he planned to make a wedding ring.

What is the main (or central) idea?

• The narrator's first airplane ride was a good experience.

• The pilot and his crew were kind.

• The narrator had a great view from high above the Earth.

What is the difference between a main idea and a detail?

• A main idea is the topic of a text, while a detail is information that supports the main idea.

• A main idea can be found in the conclusion only.

• Details are more important than the main idea.

• There is no difference; they mean the same thing.

Which sentence tells the main (or central) idea? 1) When he first started his farm, Mr. Sanchez borrowed money to purchase a few pigs. 2) Today, he owns over a thousand. 3) His three sons also work in the family business. 4) They usually sell the pigs to the local markets, but sometimes other farmers buy from them, too. 5) Their family earns a lot of money from their business. 6) Mr. Sanchez's pig farm is a big place... and a big success.

• sentence

  1

• sentence

  3

• sentence

  4

• sentence

  6

I have a dog named Buddy . He is almost 10 years old. Buddy is very loveable and loves to cuddle. He plays with me, sleeps with me, and goes on walks with me. I am so lucky to have Buddy around. He is one of my best friends.

The main idea of this passage is:

• The writer has a dog named Buddy.

• Buddy is very lovable.

• The author's dog is an important part of his life.

• Buddy is almost 10 years old.

What is the main (or central) idea? 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!

• Sometimes people feel sad.

• You should do good things for others.

• Getting exercise is a good way to make yourself feel better.

• There are many ways to make yourself feel better. 

The main idea is what the story is ______________ about.

• mostly

• only

• never

• very

Key details give important information to support the main idea.

• True

• False