1. Topic + what the author wants you to know about the topic
Main Ideas
Topic + what the author wants you to know about the topic

2. Main Ideas
Toys can be very harmful to children. For instance, some metal toys may have sharp edges that can cause bad cuts. Or plastic toys may have small pieces that children can bite off and swallow. Also, the paint on some toys might have lead in it; these toys are not safe because children might put them in their mouths.
Topic? Toys
What does the author of this paragraph want you to know about toys? Toys can be harmful to children.
How did he prove it? Sharp edges cause cuts; small pieces can be swallowed; paint has lead in it

3. Main Ideas
Cabbage is high in vitamins A, B1, B2, and C. It is very low in calories, with only 24 calories per cup raw and 30 calories per cup when cooked. Cabbage can be used to make many tasty low-calorie dishes. Thus, cabbage is a good food for people on diets.
Topic?
What does the author want you to know about cabbage?
How does he or she prove or explain it?

4. Main Ideas Stone Age people used simple tools to meet their needs.
A crude chopping tool, made from a rock the size of a man’s fist, was used as an all-purpose tool. The hand axe, shaped like a pick, had a fairly sharp point and was used to dig roots out of the ground. As you can see, Stone Age people used simple tools to meet their needs. Other simple tools were the borer, used to punch holes in animal skins, and the sidescraper, used for dressing hides.
Stone Age people used simple tools to meet their needs.
Chopping tool
Hand Axe
Borer and side-scraper

5. Implied Main Ideas
When shopping for potatoes, look for those that are firm, well shaped, and smooth. They should have few eyes. The potatoes should be free from large cuts and bruises. They should also be free of decay. Also, check the color of the potatoes. Make sure they are the usual brown color, not green. Green potatoes have a bitter taste. They may even act as a poison to some people.
There are things to look for when you shop for potatoes.
Firm, well-shaped, smooth
Few eyes
Free from large cuts and bruises

6. Implied Main Ideas Topic? What about it?
The office was beautiful. Very modern furniture had been ordered just for her. She sat at her new desk with papers piled up in front of her, but she did not begin to work. Instead, she stared off into space. Then, her fingers began to tap a drum-like beat on the arms of her chair. With her legs crossed, the one on top started to swing to and fro in time to the drumming of her fingers. She yawned and thought of today as just another boring day to get through.
Topic? What about it?
Image that demonstrates?
Image that demonstrate?

7. Context Clues
Look for and use clues within the text to help you learn the meanings of unfamiliar words.

8. Context Clues Joanna is such a flibbertigibbet.
What on earth does flibbertigibbet mean? There are no context clues to help you discover its meaning. Surely it means gorgeous and brilliant, right?
Joanna is such a flibbertigibbet. She is goofy, crazy, and silly.
Now can you tell me what it means? Aren’t you glad you used the context clues so you didn’t think it mean gorgeous and brilliant?
Please do not just pass over unfamiliar words! Be a detective! Look for clues!

9. Context Clues
The statue was carved out of ebony – a wood as black as ink.
Parents chastise children in different ways. When children don’t behave, some parents scold or spank them. Others send their children to their rooms to think about what they have done wrong. Still others take away television until the children behave properly.
Like a squirrel who collects nuts to be used later for food, Marcy accumulates things she thinks may one day be of use to her.
Toxic products can be found in many homes. They include bleach, lye, insect sprays, paint, and lighter fluid. Any of them can be deadly when swallowed.