Main Idea

Let’s Review

Good readers summarize Good readers summarize. As they read, they pause to sum up the important ideas or events. This helps them remember the information. As you read a story, note the main events. After you read, ask yourself what the main events were and in what order they occurred.

Author’s Purpose The author’s purpose is the reason or reasons the author has for writing. An author may write to persuade, to inform, to entertain, or to express ideas and feelings. An author may have more than one purpose within a story. You will often be asked question about why an author includes what he or she does in a story.

Sequence First Event Second Event Third Event Fourth Event  Sequence means the order in which     things happen. Dates, times, and clue words such as first, then, next, and last can help you understand the order of events. Sometimes two or more events happen at     the same time. Words such as meanwhile and during can show this. First Event Second Event Third Event Fourth Event

Story Structure in Fiction Then the conflict or problem is confronted. This is the climax of a story. Story structure is like a pattern that stories follow. In the beginning, you have a problem or goal established. Finally you have an outcome and the problem is resolved. Next, there is rising action that builds toward the climax.

Main Idea The topic is what a paragraph, part of an article, or a whole article is about. The most important thing the author has to say about the topic is the main idea. The little pieces of information telling more about the main idea are the supporting details. Supporting Detail Supporting Detail Main idea Supporting Detail

Main Idea largest trees and among the oldest trees on Earth. Think about the story statements. Decide which is a main idea and which is a supporting detail. Giant sequoias are the world's largest trees and among the oldest trees on Earth. These trees grow to be 300 feet tall and 40 feet around. Supporting Detail Main Idea

Main Idea largest trees and among the oldest trees on Earth. Giant sequoias are the world's largest trees and among the oldest trees on Earth. These trees grow to be 300 feet tall and 40 feet around. Main Idea Supporting Detail

Main Idea formations, and giant sequoia trees. It has incredible waterfalls, rock formations, and giant sequoia trees. Yosemite is known throughout the world for its amazing scenery. Supporting Detail Main Idea

Main Idea to protect the wilderness around Yosemite. Politicians have made efforts to protect the wilderness around Yosemite. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant deeding land to California. Main Idea Supporting Detail

Main Idea One of the sequoias is called Clothespin Tree while another is called Dead Giant. Many of the sequoias have nick-names. Supporting Detail Main Idea

Main Idea You can fish, wade, or raft. Active people find lots to do around the rivers and streams of Yosemite. Supporting Detail Main Idea

Remember that good readers can find the Main Idea, and it helps them to understand a story!