The Main Idea of a Text

What are we learning today?

You will find the main idea of a short text.

Explanation

The main idea is the most important thing the text says.

• Read the title first.
• Then read the first sentence of each paragraph.
• Say the idea in one sentence of your own.
• Numbers and names are usually details. They are not the main idea.

Examples

1. Title: Fun in Almaty. Main idea: Almaty has three good places for fun.
2. Main idea of the polar paragraph: it is hard to grow food, so people eat meat and fish.
3. Detail: Fantasy World is open until midnight.

Remember!

• Title, then first sentences, then your own sentence.
• Read all the paragraphs, not only one.

Check yourself

1. Where do you look first to find the main idea?
2. Is a number usually the main idea or a detail?