1. ELA 7.2 Pathway
Study Guide
Central
Ideas

2. The big picture

3. The main idea is the point of the paragraph. It is the most important
What is a Main Idea?
The main idea is the point of the
paragraph. It is the most important
thought about the topic.

5. Topic vs. Main Idea in Movies
The topic of The Hunger Games is survival.

6. Topic vs. Main Idea in Movies
The main idea is that Katniss Everdeen, the main character, is forced to participate in and survive the annual Hunger Games by making choices that weigh survival against humanity.

7. How do I find the main idea?
To figure out the main idea, ask yourself this question: What is being said about the person, thing, or idea (the topic)?
The reader can locate the main idea in different places within a paragraph. The main idea is usually a sentence, and it is usually the first sentence. The writer then uses the rest of the paragraph to support the main idea.
Try it!

8. Which sentence is the main idea?
People enjoy cooking together, but most love eating even more!
Thanksgiving is a holiday that is spent with friends and family.
Some people travel a long way to be with those they love for the holiday.

9. Which sentence is the main idea?
People enjoy cooking together, but most love eating even more!
Thanksgiving is a holiday that is spent with friends and family.
Some people travel a long way to be with those they love for the holiday.

10. Lantern fish live near the bottom of the ocean where it is very dark,
so they carry their own lights. The
lights look like tiny glowing pearls.
They are called photophores. A lantern
fish can flash its photophores on and off.
A. The light looks like tiny glowing pearls.
B. Lantern fish live near the bottom of the ocean where it is very dark, so they
carry their own lights.

11. Lantern fish live near the bottom of the ocean where it is very dark,
so they carry their own lights. The
lights look like tiny glowing pearls.
They are called photophores. A lantern
fish can flash its photophores on and off.
A. The light looks like tiny glowing pearls.
B. Lantern fish live near the bottom of the ocean where it is very dark, so they
carry their own lights.

12. Think of the Main Idea as the BIG PICTURE…
Grandpa always carves the turkey!
The Jones family enjoys Thanksgiving together.
Olivia is waiting for the drumstick.
Aunt Ella makes sure the candles are lit.
The details are like the caption to the picture!

13. Now head to Study Island to work on your own!
How do I get started?
Log in to Study Island.
Click on ALL_7th Grade
Click on ELA Pathway
Click on “Central Ideas”
Practice this skill until you earn a Blue Ribbon!
Answer AT LEAST 10 questions
Get AT LEAST 70% correct 13