Topic vs. Main Idea Extra Practice

Definition of topic The topic is the subject of the selection The topic is usually one or two words

Definition of main idea The most important idea in a selection The idea that gives the selection purpose Usually a sentence

Purpose of “main idea” The reason a paragraph exists A paragraph explains a main idea No main idea = no paragraph A paragraph without a main idea would be only a collection of unconnected thoughts.

Types of main idea Stated main idea Implied main idea Some paragraphs just spell it out for a reader The reader can point to the sentence containing the “main idea” Implied main idea All sentences point towards the main idea, but you must decide on your own what it is

Basically Topic – subject Main idea – what is being said about a subject

Examples Reread McCall Crabbs #1 Topic: flies Main idea: it is important to kill flies

Examples Reread McCall Crabbs #2 Topic: cuckoo birds Main idea: life cycle of a cuckoo bird *or* how a cuckoo bird is raised

Example Reread McCall Crabbs #5 Topic: lumberjacks Main idea: being a lumberjack is a dangerous job

You Try Reread McCall Crabbs #7 Topic: bicycles Main idea: how the bicycle was invented

You Try Reread McCall Crabbs #11 Topic: rats Main idea: rats are dangerous

You Try Reread McCall Crabbs #12 Topic: unexplained lights Main idea: unexplained lights have puzzled people for many years

You Try Reread McCall Crabbs #16 Topic: chlorophyll Main idea: The importance of chlorophyll in plant life