Finding the Main Idea

What are we learning today?

You will find the main idea of a text. You will tell it from the details.

Explanation

• The main idea tells what the whole text is about.
• Details are facts, numbers or examples. They support the main idea.
• First, read the title and the first sentence of each paragraph.
• Ask: Who or what is the text about?
• Check that every paragraph fits your idea.

Examples

1. Main idea: Mick is very unlucky, but he stays positive.
2. Detail: Mick broke both his ankles when he slipped on a potato.
3. Title: My sports day. Main idea: a day of races and games at school.

Remember!

• Do not choose a bright detail as the main idea.
• Do not make the idea too wide.

Check yourself

1. Is "Mick broke his legs in 2010" a main idea or a detail?
2. Where can you often find the main idea?