What is the main idea?
• the central or overall thought that the author wants to get across
• Usually it is a general, not a specific statement
• It is not always stated – it may need to be inferred
What are details?
More specific information about the main idea
• Who
• What
• When
• Where
• Why
• How
Details may be
• facts supporting the main idea
• examples of the main idea
• explanation of the main idea
How to find the main idea:
• Look at the title
• Look at headings and subheadings
• Look for general statements – notice if the other statements are more specific and support the general statement
• Look for repeated ideas
• Each paragraph usually has one main idea
• Notice how much time / space is devoted to different ideas – the main idea will be that idea that is talked about or supported the most
• Look at transitions and think about what they mean: phrases like “one cause,” “for example,” “after that,” usually introduce details.
