Central Idea & Supporting Details 6th Grade ELA/Reading Ashworth Middle School

What is the central (main) idea? Definition: The most important point an author makes in his or her writing.   How to: Ask these questions to locate the central idea: -What is the main point an author makes? -What is the most important idea? -What idea summarizes the entire text? -What is the author’s message?

What is a stated central (main) idea? Definition: -An idea that is clearly stated in the passage. -Right there in the text for me to locate.   How to: Easy to find; usually can be found as part of a sentence at the beginning or end of a passage

What is an implied central (main) idea? Definition: An idea that is NOT directly stated in the passage.   How to: Challenging to find; you have to read carefully, pay attention to details, and determine it based on textual evidence.

My examples: Stated & Implied Central Ideas

My examples: Stated & Implied Central Ideas In this passage, the central idea is implied: Airplanes are such a common form of travel that it’s easy to forget just how recently they were invented. In this passage, the central idea is stated: Summer vacation is the best time of the year.

What are supporting details? Definition: -Pieces of information that elaborate and support the central point the author is going to make. There are two kinds: factual and sensory.   How to: -Locate at least 2-3 pieces of information that the author uses to elaborate the central point.

What are factual supporting details? Definition: -Details that are facts. -They are used to explain and clarify points about the central idea and could be proven with an outside source.   How to: Find details that answer the where where, when, why, who, what, which, and how about the central idea.

What are sensory supporting details? Definition: -Details that give readers a vivid image of the places and people an author writes about -Uses the five senses   How to: Find details that describe how something sounds, feels, looks, smells, or tastes.

My examples: Stated & Implied Central Ideas In this passage, the supporting details are mainly factual: He barks at things like garbage cans and mailboxes. Jazzy, sometimes, snores in his sleep. 1. Jazzy is a funny dog. He barks at things like garbage cans and mailboxes. Jazzy, sometimes, snores in his sleep.   2 Chocolate chip cookies are wonderful. When they come out of the oven, they are warm, sweet, and soft. In this passage, the supporting details are mainly sensory: When they come out of the oven, they are warm, sweet, and soft.