1. Topic vs. Main Idea
Extra Practice

2. Definition of topic The topic is the subject of the selection
The topic is usually one or two words

3. Definition of main idea
The most important idea in a selection
The idea that gives the selection purpose
Usually a sentence

4. Purpose of “main idea” The reason a paragraph exists
A paragraph explains a main idea
No main idea = no paragraph
A paragraph without a main idea would be only a collection of unconnected thoughts.

5. Types of main idea Stated main idea Implied main idea
Some paragraphs just spell it out for a reader
The reader can point to the sentence containing the “main idea”
Implied main idea
All sentences point towards the main idea, but you must decide on your own what it is

6. Basically Topic – subject
Main idea – what is being said about a subject

7. Examples Reread McCall Crabbs #1 Topic: flies
Main idea: it is important to kill flies

8. Examples Reread McCall Crabbs #2 Topic: cuckoo birds
Main idea: life cycle of a cuckoo bird *or* how a cuckoo bird is raised

9. Example Reread McCall Crabbs #5 Topic: lumberjacks
Main idea: being a lumberjack is a dangerous job

10. You Try Reread McCall Crabbs #7 Topic: bicycles
Main idea: how the bicycle was invented

11. You Try Reread McCall Crabbs #11 Topic: rats
Main idea: rats are dangerous

12. You Try Reread McCall Crabbs #12 Topic: unexplained lights
Main idea: unexplained lights have puzzled people for many years

13. You Try Reread McCall Crabbs #16 Topic: chlorophyll
Main idea: The importance of chlorophyll in plant life