Main IdeaAndSupporting Details

Main Idea It is important to find main ideas

when reading. Main ideas help readers remember important information.

The main idea of a paragraph tells the topic of the paragraph. The topic tells what all or most of the sentences are abou

Details The other sentences in the

paragraph are called details. Details describe or explain the main idea.

Read the paragraph on the next page and find the main idea.

Read this paragraph…

The rain forest is home to many creatures. Monkeys, toucans and macaws live in the rain forest. Blue Morpho butterflies and anteaters also live in the rain forest.

Which is the main idea? A) Sloths and tapirs are other creatures t

hat live in the rain forest.

B) The rain forest is home to many creatures.

C) Monkeys, toucans and macaws live in the rain forest.

Read this paragraph… Soccer players learn many

skills when playing soccer. Soccer players learn how to dribble and pass the ball. They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score. Most importantly, soccer players learn how to work together with their teammates.

Which is the main idea? A) They also learn how to control the bal

l so they can eventually score.

B) Soccer players learn how to dribble. C) Soccer players learn many skills whe

n playing soccer.

You’re doing a terrific job! Let’s do one more.

There are many fun things to do at the beach. Swimming is one thing that can be done at the beach. Snorkeling is another thing that can be enjoyed. Playing beach volleyball can be a lot of fun. It is also fun to look for shells. Some people simply like to sunbathe.

Now you tell me… What is the main idea of that

paragraph?

Here is an extra activity Get a book or magazine of your choice. It may be

one you’ve already read or would like to read. Read. Choose a paragraph and then find the main idea

of that paragraph. Next, copy the paragraph on a sheet of paper. Then, identify the main idea by underlining it or

highlighting it with a marker. Finally, make an illustration of the main idea to

share. Be creative and have fun!