IDENTIFYING MAIN IDEAS
&
SUPPORTING DETAILS
MAIN
IDEAor paragraph is mostly
tells what the selection
about. To identify the main idea of a selection,
you can use the question “who or what the
selection is all about.”
SUPPORTING DETAILS
information that is included to support the
main idea by filling in background
information or expanding on the topic.
Sample Activity:
1)The students had fun on their field trip. They visited the
Marine Museum. They were able to tour a tug bout and
they bought souvenirs in the gift shop. After the tours
they ate a picnic lunch in the park and played with their
friends.
Another step: Eliminating
Main idea is often stated or implied in the first or last
sentence of a paragraph or selection as the topic is
introduced or summarized. Because struggling readers
can be overwhelmed by the number of words in a
paragraph, eliminate those words that are not important
in the selection. Begin by providing students with a
copy of a paragraph. Using a pencil or black marker,
cross out the words that are not as important in the
paragraph, such as articles or prepositions.
Example:
When Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press, he is unlikely to
have foreseen how significant this invention would be in today’s times.
The printing press increased the speed at which books could be copied
because instead of having to copy printed material by hand, whole pages
of text could be printed at one time. Today, layouts for pages are done on
the computer and copiers are able to print hundreds of papers per minute.
Without such easy access to printed material, our lives would be
dramatically different.
• Strike out less important words:
• When Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press, he is unlikely to
have foreseen how significant this invention would be in today’s times.
The printing press increased the speed at which books could be copied
because instead of having to copy printed material by hand, whole pages
of text could be printed at one time. Today, layouts for pages are done on
the computer and copiers are able to print hundreds of papers per
minute. Without such easy access to printed material, our lives would be
dramatically different.
• Main idea: Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press
• Once these words have been eliminated, begin a
• Once these words
discussion have
on the been eliminated,
remaining beginthe
words. Note a discussion
words that on
the remaining
are used most words. Note
often. the wordswhat
Determine that are
the used most often.
paragraph is
Determine what the
mostly about andparagraph
write thisisasmostly about
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idea. writeother
this as
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facts idea.
areThe other facts
important that are important
explanations explanations
or elaborations areor
elaborations
supportingare supporting details.
details.
• Sometimes the main idea in the paragraph is not stated
but the reader can determine the main idea.
• Sample:
• “Samantha, I can’t eat or sleep when you are gone. I
need to hear your soothing voice and see your lovely
smile. I miss that special way you sing. Please come
home soon.”
• Main idea: “the author misses Samantha”.
• Sample activity:
• “Jonalyn, every time I see you I feel better. Your
smiles complete my day. Your eyes make me fall
for you. Your action stops my time. I think of you
always, and how I wish you feel the same way
too.”
• Main idea: the author is in love to Jonalyn.
EVALUATION:
Find which sentence does not support the main idea.
V
“Maria offered to help her mother clean the house. She vacuumed the living
room and dusted the furniture. She picked up the toys in the playroom. She
ate a ham sandwich for lunch. Then, she mopped the kitchen floor.”
“Winter provides the opportunity for many outdoor activities. Many people
enjoy ice-skating on a pond. Swimming in the pond in summer can also be
fun. Skiing can be a thrilling experience too. After a new snowfall, you can
even build a snowman!.”
“The rain forest is home to many creatures. Monkeys, toucans, and macaws
live in it. Monkeys can also be found in the zoo. Butterflies and anteaters
also live in the rain forest.”
ASSIGNMENT:
Identify the main idea and supporting details in the
selection using the fish bone.
“Jomar is a good student. He does his home works and
he passes his projects in time. He is one of the top
students in class. He always cooperate in the school
activities he volunteers himself in teaching the out of
school youth students in their community.”
