Main Idea

1
Main Idea

• What it is
• And
• What it isnt

2
What is a main idea?

• The main idea IS the topic sentence of a
  paragraph. (fiction)
• The main idea IS the thesis of a piece of
  writing. (non-fiction)
• The main idea IS the Character Conflict
  Resolution Statement. (fiction)
• The Main idea can be a theme if a main idea
  statement can not be made.

3
What the main idea isn't?

• The main idea is NOT a single detail of the
  story.
• The main idea is NOT specific to just one
  character. It must include all of the
  characters.
• The main idea is NOT just the subject of the
  story.
• Main ideas are NOT always stated in the story. In
  other words, you must figure out the main idea
  yourself.

4
Main Idea or not?

• Johnny gets jumped and is always scared.
• The dog barked at a butterfly.
• The lesson learned is People can be mean.
• Charlottes Web
• Love conquers all.
• Sharks are the most feared animal in the sea.
• Julie wore a red hat.
• Tiger Woods made golf history.
• Breaking of school rules results in discipline.
  Says Mr. Yuhan
• Hard work pays off.
• It is important to raise money for schools.

5
Full Name_____________________________________
Date_________ Period ____

• What it is
• Like a micronote
• What something was about
• Topic Sentence of a paragraph (fiction)
• Thesis of a piece of writing (non-fiction)
• CharacterConflict Resolution Statement
  (fiction)

Examples Non-Examples

• What it is not
• Detail in a story
• Dialogue
• Title
• Not specific to one character
• Always stated or obvious

Main Idea

1. Johnny gets jumped and is always scared.
2. Sharks are the most feared animal in the sea.
3. Tiger Woods made golf history.
4. Love conquers all.

1. Julie wore a red hat.
2. The dog barked at a butterfly.
3. Why cant she be like her brother?
4. People can be mean.
5. Charlottes Web

6

• When answering short answer Main Idea questions
  on assessments, worksheets, projects, etc. It is
  important to remember the correct format
• Example
• What is the main idea of chapter 4 of The
  Outsiders?
• C Main idea statement
• E Evidence from text to support
• E Evidence from text to support
• R Reason the evidence supports your answer.