1. MAIN IDEA

2. Topic is what the piece is mostly about – “volcanoes, recycling, mammals, etc.”

3. Main idea is the most important point in a literary work
Main idea is the most important point in a literary work. It should be written in sentence form.
Examples:
“Recycling is expensive in the short term, but it yields long-term savings.”
“Volcanoes are one of earth’s most violent forms of nature.”

4. Detail
Detail
MAIN IDEA
Detail
Detail

5. Detail Detail MAIN IDEA Detail Detail How often to feed the dog
Type of food to feed the dog
MAIN IDEA
How to take care of a dog
Detail
Detail
Grooming the dog
How often to walk the dog

6. Stated Main Idea
A main idea can be stated in the topic sentence, which usually occurs in non-fiction writing.
The students had fun on their field trip.  They visited the Marine Museum.  They were able to tour a tug boat, and they bought souvenirs in the gift shop.  After the tours they ate a picnic lunch in the park.
Topic sentence – first sentence
Supporting details – sentences that follow

7. Implied Main Idea
Some paragraphs do not have a stated main idea, (topic sentence) but all of the sentences are still on the same topic. This is called an implied main idea.

8. Example of Implied Main Idea:
The Native Americans used the trees to build their houses.  They hunted and trapped animals in the forests for food.  They found roots and berries that they could eat.  Some plants found in the forests were used as medicines.      
  All of the sentences within the paragraph tell about ways the Native Americans used things in the forest.

9. What is the main idea of this paragraph?
Juan’s favorite game is chess because it requires a great deal of thought. Juan also likes to play less demanding board games that are based mostly on luck. He prefers Monopoly because it requires luck and skill. If he’s alone, Juan likes to play action video games as long as they aren’t too violent.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
a. Juan dislikes violence. b. Juan likes to think. c. Juan enjoys Monopoly. d. Juan enjoys playing games.
Is the main idea stated or implied?

10. What is the main idea of this paragraph?
Maria is watching too much television. A toddler shouldn’t be spending hours staring blankly at a screen. Worse yet, some of her wild behavior has been inspired by those awful cartoons she watches. We need to spend more time reading books with her and pull the plug on the TV!
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
a. Watching a lot of television isn’t good for Maria. b. Books are good. c. All cartoons are bad. d. Some cartoons are bad for Maria.
Is the main idea stated or implied?