The document discusses identifying the main idea in paragraphs. It explains that the main idea is the most important point that the writer wants the reader to understand. It provides supporting details and examples that relate back to the main idea. The document includes links to videos and quizzes about determining the main idea of paragraphs on different topics like standardized testing.

1. …Main Idea
Ok, now let’s talk about…

2. Check out this
video on
recognizing main
idea…
…CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO

3. what the writer wants you to
walk away with after reading
(a sentence)
things that back up
the main idea
Let’s summarize what we just watched…
main idea… details…
topic…
the main thing the writer is talking about (one or two words)

4. What is the main idea of this paragraph?
Standardized testing is a big deal here in the United
States. All fifty states are required by law to test their
children, and the results have to be given to the public.
Government leaders believe standardized tests, like the SOL
tests, are a fair and objective measure of student ability,
and that they make sure teachers and schools are
teaching kids what they need to know. These law-
makers also believe that most taxpayers approve of
standardized testing because results can be identified in
black and white.

5. Standardized testing is a
big deal in the United
States.
required by law
fair and objective
taxpayers like seeing the results
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
main idea… details…
topic…
standardized testing

6. Let’s try finding
the main idea
together!
...Click here for a 5-Question Quiz