1. Today’s Key Terms Main Idea: the central message or meaning of a text
Copy the words and their definitions into the “READING” notes section of your binder.
Main Idea: the central message or meaning of a text
Topic: a brief identification of what the text is mostly about
Inference: a logical conclusion (or guess) based on evidence
Summary: a brief but thorough restatement of information

2. MAIN IDEA

3. What’s the difference?
TOPIC vs. MAIN IDEA

4. The TOPIC (also known as the SUBJECT) is what the text is about—you can state this briefly and in broad, general terms.
For example: The TOPIC is… LeBron James.

5. The MAIN IDEA (also known as the CENTRAL IDEA) is the message or meaning of the text. You need a complete sentence to state the MAIN IDEA.
For example: The MAIN IDEA is… LeBron James never should have left Miami.

6. Imagine yourself overhearing a conversation in which your name is repeatedly mentioned, but you can’t hear what’s actually being said. When you ask your friends what they were saying, they tell you they were talking about you. So…YOU are the TOPIC.

7. Obviously, in this situation, you would want to know exactly what they were saying about you. You’d continue to press your friends for what they had said. Finally, your friends tell you they said,
“Joe Schmoe is a fantastic singer!” NOW, you have the
MAIN IDEA!

8. Reminder: a MAIN IDEA will have SUPPORTING DETAILS to hold it up!
In an article, essay, speech, etc., a SUPPORTING DETAIL is a fact, description, example, quotation, anecdote, or other item of information used to
back up a claim,
illustrate a point,
or explain an idea.

9. 1. Joe’s voice is powerful.
Using the example about Joe Schmoe being a fantastic singer—MAIN IDEA—which two of the following are SUPPORTING DETAILS?
1. Joe’s voice is powerful.
2. Joe is a great dresser.
3. Joe has many friends who
admire him.
4. Joe has won many talent shows.