Main Idea and Supporting Details Mrs. Flynn’s Class

Main Idea Every story or article has a main idea. The main idea tells you what the story is about. The main idea maybe the lesson learned or moral of a story. The main idea is the most important part of a story or paragraph.

Main Idea Sometimes the main idea is hard to find because it is not stated by the author. We have to get inside the author’s head and think about why the author wrote the things he did.

Supporting Details The supporting details are the things that describe the main idea. These supporting details make the main idea stronger.

What is the main idea of the passage?

Read the Passage and Underline the Main Idea Niagara Falls is one of the most amazing sights in North America. It is on the Niagara River halfway between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Niagara Falls is located on the American and Canadian border. The American Falls is 167 feet high. On the Canadian side, the Horseshoe Falls is 161 feet high.

Niagara Falls is one of the most amazing sights in North America.

What is the main idea of this passage? Think: What is the passage mostly about?

Underline the main idea. The Statue of Liberty is visited by thousands of people every year. The Statue of Liberty is a 151 foot statue of woman holding a book and a torch. It was a gift of friendship from the people of France. It has become the universal symbol for freedom, so it is a popular attraction.

Answer The Statue of Liberty is a popular place to visit.

Find the Supporting Details The Erie Canal changed the way people moved goods in the 1800’s. The 363 mile canal connected Albany, New York to Lake Erie in Buffalo for the first time. When the Canal opened in 1825, building supplies and goods could be transported quickly and cheaply across New York State. Canal boats pulled by mules carried people and supplies across New York.

Answer 1-The 363 mile canal connected Albany and New York for the first time. 2-The canal boats pulled by mules carried people and supplies across New York State. 3-The canal made a way for goods to be transported cheaply and quickly.

Implied Main Idea Think: Why is the author saying this? What does he/she want me to know?

Implied Main Idea Always warm up before attempting any strength training exercises. Failure to warm up can cause injuries to your muscles. Remember to use proper lifting procedures for safety sake. In addition, to avoid harm, make sure that you have a spotter with you if you are using free weights. You can also avoid injury by working within your limits and avoiding the need to show off.

To avoid injury during strength or weight training, observe several safety precautions.

Implied Main Idea When you purchase a puppy, try to select a breeder who can explain the puppy’s needs clearly. Also, find a breeder who is willing to answer any questions you have. Not all are willing to do so. Try to choose a someone who is willing to give you training tips. When choosing a breeder, try to find one who will introduce you to the puppy’s parents and provide you with a history of the puppy’s veterinary records.

There are several important things to consider when you are choosing a breeder.

Review Our stories would not make sense if they did not include a main idea with supporting details. You will need to be able to select the main idea and the supporting details from everything you read.