Finding the Main Idea

What are we learning today?

You will learn how to find the main idea of a short text.

Explanation

• The main idea is what the whole text is about.
• A detail is a small fact, like a date.
• Read the first and last sentences.
• Ask: Who? What happens? Why?
• Check: does the idea cover the whole text?

Examples

1. A biography: George Eliot is the pen name of the writer Mary Ann Evans. She wrote seven novels.
2. A story: Maggie cuts her hair. Tom laughs at her. She runs to her father and cries.
3. Main idea: a girl is laughed at and feels very upset.

Remember!

• A date or a name is a detail, not the main idea.
• Do not invent facts.

Check yourself

1. What is the real name of George Eliot?
2. Is the year 1860 a main idea or a detail?