1.) THE POINT
The main/central idea is the big
point that the author of a non-
fiction text is communicating
to the reader.
Sometimes, the main idea can
be found in the title.
For example, a passage titled:
“Why Doctors Deserve More
Dollars” will include reasons for
that idea.
3.
2.) THE ROOFFIGURE
The main idea is like a roof.
It should be big enough to
describe everything
explored in the passage.
It shouldn’t be too general
or specific for the text.
4.
3.) THE HEART
Main Idea - is like the heart
of the text or a paragraph.
It is the controlling idea.
All the other supporting details in
the text should tell us more about
the main idea.
ma
5.
4.) GENERAL vs.SPECIFIC
The main idea is a general one.
The supporting details in the
passage are specific (statistics,
examples)
6.
5.) HOW TOIDENTIFY THE
MAIN or CENTRAL IDEA
First, identify the topic of the passage.
Second, identify what the author is generally
trying to communicate about the topic. Look at
the topic sentences of supporting
paragraphs.
“Why Doctors Deserve More Dollars”-
Topic- doctors, salary
Main idea- Doctors deserve to make high salaries due
to the critical nature of the occupation and the cost
and intensity of legally required education.
WHO?
7.
The Topic Sentence
Find the topic sentence and supporting
details in this paragraph:
Homeless people have many problems.
In winter, it’s hard to stay warm and it gets
too hot in summer. It’s also hard to keep
things safe without a home. Worst is the
lack of privacy.
8.
Example – Writedown the main
idea in one complete sentence.
Being a clown isn’t all fun and games. Rodeo
clowns expose themselves to great danger
every time they perform. When cowboys
dismount or are bucked off of bulls at riding
competitions, rodeo clowns jump in front of the
bulls and motion wildly to get their attention. In
this way rodeo clowns provide an alternate
target, and in doing so protect the rider. So you
see, sometimes clowning around can be serious
business.
9.
Possible answer
Themain idea of the passage is that a rodeo clown’s
job is necessary but can potentially be very
dangerous.
RACES: The main idea of the passage Rodeo Clowns is that
being a rodeo clown is a necessary but potentially dangerous
job. The passage Rodeo Clowns states that those in this
profession protect cowboys by offering themselves as an
“alternate target” for angry bulls to focus on. This means that
rodeo clowns help cowboys safely exit the arena by distracting
the angry bull. To ensure safety for the cowboys, rodeo
clowns risk being hurt badly by the unpredictable bull. In
summary, a rodeo clown is an unsafe, yet important job.
10.
Remember, themain idea is general
Do not name supporting details as
the main/central idea.
It is not too specific
EX: Rodeo clowns jump in front of
bulls-- TOO SPECIFIC
