1. Finding the Main Idea CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.2

2. The main idea is the main point being stated in a:
Paragraph
Passage
Article
Essay
Or other document

3. The main point being stated
To find the main idea, first you must locate the topic of the paragraph, passage, article, essay, etc.
Main Idea
Topic
The general subject
The main point being stated

4. Let’s look at an example: What is the topic of this paragraph?
Although they are small, cats are quite capable of protecting themselves. First, cats can get away from attackers quickly. They are fast runners. Cats can easily outrun most predators. Next, cats are good fighters. Their sharp claws can inflict great damage on a larger animal. They also use their pointed teeth to bite their attackers. Clearly, cats are excellent at defending their lives.

5. What is the topic of this paragraph?
Although they are small, cats are quite capable of protecting themselves. First, cats can get away from attackers quickly. They are fast runners. Cats can easily outrun most predators. Next, cats are good fighters. Their sharp claws can inflict great damage on a larger animal. They also use their pointed teeth to bite their attackers. Clearly, cats are excellent at defending their lives.
Topic
The general subject

6. What is the topic of this paragraph?
Although they are small, cats are quite capable of protecting themselves. First, cats can get away from attackers quickly. They are fast runners. Cats can easily outrun most predators. Next, cats are good fighters. Their sharp claws can inflict great damage on a larger animal. They also use their pointed teeth to bite their attackers. Clearly, cats are excellent at defending their lives.
Topic
Cats

7. The main point being stated
Now, what is the main idea of this paragraph?
Although they are small, cats are quite capable of protecting themselves. First, cats can get away from attackers quickly. They are fast runners. Cats can easily outrun most predators. Next, cats are good fighters. Their sharp claws can inflict great damage on a larger animal. They also use their pointed teeth to bite their attackers. Clearly, cats are excellent at defending their lives.
Main Idea
The main point being stated

8. Main Idea Cats can defend themselves.
Now, what is the main idea of this paragraph?
Although they are small, cats are quite capable of protecting themselves. First, cats can get away from attackers quickly. They are fast runners. Cats can easily outrun most predators. Next, cats are good fighters. Their sharp claws can inflict great damage on a larger animal. They also use their pointed teeth to bite their attackers. Clearly, cats are excellent at defending their lives.
Main Idea
Cats can defend themselves.

9. How do we find the main idea?

10. First, we must locate the topic. Ask yourself about the topic.
Is it a:
person
idea/concept
theory
or event?

11. What is the author really saying about the topic?
Next, ask yourself:
What is the author really saying about the topic?
Remember, the main idea is the point, or most important thought concerning the topic.

12. But where can I find the main idea?
The main idea is usually a sentence.
Although they are small, cats are quite capable of protecting themselves. First, cats can get away from attackers quickly. They are fast runners. Cats can easily outrun most predators. Next, cats are good fighters. Their sharp claws can inflict great damage on a larger animal. They also use their pointed teeth to bite their attackers. Clearly, cats are excellent at defending their lives.
Sometimes the main idea can be found at the beginning of the passage, like in our cat paragraph.
However, sometimes it can be in the middle, or even at the end.

13. What is the main idea here ?
Let’s try it with an example from our lesson:
What is the main idea here ?

14. Step 1: What is the topic?
Topic
Person
Idea or concept
Theory
Event

15. Topic Step 1: What is the topic? Idea or concept
Sometimes, you can get VALUABLE information from additional notes provided for each source! So, read carefully!

16. Topic Step 1: What is the topic? Idea or concept Topic is:
The IDEA of feudalism – how people are BOUND to each other by a contract of obligation.

17. Step 1: What is the main idea?
The agreement between a lord and his vassal where the vassal is bound to serve the lord and the lord provides for him.