Understanding Topics and Main Ideas

Why is it important to identify the topic and main idea when reading?

• To write a summary

• To find the author's name

• To memorize the text

• To improve analytical reading skills

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

• A topic is the same as a main idea

• A topic is more specific than a main idea

• A topic is a sentence, while a main idea is a word

• A topic is more general than a main idea

In the umbrella metaphor, what does the handle represent?

• The topic

• The main idea

• The conclusion

• The introduction

What is the topic of the example essay about winter break?

• Visiting Colorado

• Skiing

• Family vacation

• Winter break

How can you identify the topic of a text?

• By looking for repeated words or phrases

• By counting the number of paragraphs

• By finding the longest sentence

• By identifying the author's name

What is the main idea of the skiing essay?

• Skiing was the best part of winter break

• Winter break was boring

• The family visited Colorado

• The author dislikes skiing

Who is the topic of the passage from 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz'?

• Uncle Henry

• Aunt Em

• The Kansas prairie

• Dorothy

What change has occurred in Aunt Em according to the passage?

• She moved to a new house

• She became a sad reflection of her former self

• She became a farmer

• She became happier

What mistake can be made when identifying the main idea?

• Misidentifying the topic

• Focusing on the introduction

• Using too many details

• Ignoring the author's name

What question can help you identify the main idea of a text?

• Who wrote the text?

• What is the author trying to teach or show me?

• How long is the text?

• What is the text about?