1. Focus Skill: Main Idea
Created By:
Agatha Lee
September 2009

2. What does that mean?

3. The Main Idea tells us what the story is MOSTLY about.

4. Main Ideas help readers remember important information.

5. Look for the character’s problem or challenge.
While you read,
pay attention
to what the
main character
wants or needs.
Look for the character’s problem or challenge.

6. Then, look for details that tell you more about how the main character solves the problem or meets the challenge. Those details help you decide the main idea.

7. Let’s look at
some examples from
the stories we’ve
read in the past.

8. Main Idea Detail Detail Detail
Arthur challenges D.W. to a reading race
because he doesn’t believe she can read.
Detail
Detail
Detail
D.W. proves she can read many words on signs around town, like zoo, gas, and taxi.
Arthur tells D.W. that he will teach her to read, but D.W. says she already knows how to read.
Arthur says he will buy D.W. ice cream if she can read ten words.

9. Main Idea Detail Detail Detail Frog and Toad each want to do
something fun for the other.
Detail
Detail
Detail
Toad rakes
the leaves in Frog’s yard.
Frog rakes
the leaves in Toad’s yard.
Frog and Toad want what they did to be a secret.

10. Let’s be a detective. We’ll read a story and decide what the
main idea is.

11. Rabbit Rules. A rabbit makes a fine pet, if you follow these rules
Rabbit Rules A rabbit makes a fine pet, if you follow these rules. Never pick up your rabbit by its ears. Keep your rabbit’s hutch clean. Feed your rabbit twice each day. Brush your rabbit each week. Take your rabbit to a vet for a check-up once each year.

12. What is the main idea of that story. A
What is the main idea of that story? A. Never pick up a rabbit by its ears. B. Rabbits are the best pets. C. There are many rules for taking care of a pet rabbit.
The answer is “C.”

13. What is one detail from that story. A
What is one detail from that story? A. Rabbits can be bought at pet stores. B. You should brush your pet rabbit once a week. C. If you take a rabbit for a check-up, then that mans the rabbit is sick.
The answer is “B.”