Finding the Main Idea
The main idea is the most important message in a piece of writing. All the other details support it.
What You Need to Know
The main idea is what a text is mostly about. It is the big idea the author wants you to understand. Supporting details are the smaller facts or examples that tell us more about the main idea. When reading, ask yourself: "What is this mostly about?" That answer is the main idea.
Key Concepts
Main Idea
The BIG message of the text
Supporting Details
Facts that support the main idea
Topic Sentence
Often states the main idea
Key Question
"What is this mostly about?"
Example passage:
"Dogs make great pets. They are loyal and loving. Dogs enjoy playing with their owners and going for walks. Many people say their dog is their best friend."
Main idea: Dogs make great pets.
Supporting details: loyal, loving, enjoy playing, enjoy walks, called best friend.
Key Vocabulary
Main Idea
The most important point the author is making. It tells what the whole text is about.
Supporting Detail
A fact, example or reason that gives more information about the main idea.
Topic Sentence
The sentence (often first) that states the main idea of a paragraph.
Paragraph
A group of sentences about one main idea. Each paragraph focuses on a single topic.
Knowledge Check
Read the passages carefully, then select the correct answer.
Question 1
What is the main idea of this passage?
Question 2
Which sentence is most likely to be a topic sentence?
Question 3
Supporting details in a text are used to:
Question 4
When you want to find the main idea, the best question to ask is:
Key Concepts Summary
- ●The main idea is the most important message in a piece of writing.
- ●Supporting details are facts, examples or reasons that tell us more about the main idea.
- ●The topic sentence (often the first sentence) states the main idea of a paragraph.
- ●Ask "What is this mostly about?" to find the main idea quickly.