1. Main Idea

2. Let’s Review

3. Good readers summarize
Good readers summarize. As they read, they pause to sum up the important ideas or events.
This helps them remember the information.
As you read a story, note the main events.
After you read, ask yourself what the main events were and in what order they occurred.

4. Author’s Purpose
The author’s purpose is the reason or reasons the author has for writing.
An author may write to persuade, to inform, to entertain, or to express ideas and feelings.
An author may have more than one purpose
within a story. You will often be
asked question about why an author includes
what he or she does in a story.

5. Sequence First Event Second Event Third Event Fourth Event
 Sequence means the order in which     things happen.
Dates, times, and clue words such as first, then, next, and last can help you understand the order of events.
Sometimes two or more events happen at     the same time. Words such as meanwhile and during can show this.
First
Event
Second
Event
Third
Event
Fourth
Event

6. Story Structure in Fiction
Then the conflict or problem is
confronted. This is the climax
of a story.
Story structure is like a pattern
that stories follow.
In the beginning, you have a
problem or goal established.
Finally you have an outcome
and the problem is resolved.
Next, there is rising action that
builds toward the climax.

7. Main Idea
The topic is what a paragraph, part of an article, or a whole article is about.
The most important thing the author has to say about the topic is the main idea.
The little pieces of information telling more about the main idea are the supporting details.
Supporting
Detail
Supporting
Detail
Main idea
Supporting
Detail

8. Main Idea largest trees and among the oldest trees on Earth.
Think about the story statements. Decide which is a main idea and which is a supporting detail.
Giant sequoias are the world's
largest trees and among the
oldest trees on Earth.
These trees grow to be 300 feet
tall and 40 feet around.
Supporting
Detail
Main Idea

9. Main Idea largest trees and among the oldest trees on Earth.
Giant sequoias are the world's
largest trees and among the
oldest trees on Earth.
These trees grow to be 300 feet
tall and 40 feet around.
Main Idea
Supporting
Detail

10. Main Idea formations, and giant sequoia trees.
It has incredible waterfalls, rock
formations, and giant sequoia
trees.
Yosemite is known throughout the
world for its amazing scenery.
Supporting Detail
Main Idea

11. Main Idea to protect the wilderness around Yosemite.
Politicians have made efforts
to protect the wilderness around
Yosemite.
President Abraham Lincoln
signed the Yosemite Grant deeding
land to California.
Main Idea
Supporting Detail

12. Main Idea One of the sequoias is called Clothespin Tree while another
is called Dead Giant.
Many of the sequoias have
nick-names.
Supporting Detail
Main Idea

13. Main Idea You can fish, wade, or raft. Active people find lots to do
around the rivers and streams
of Yosemite.
Supporting Detail
Main Idea

14. Remember that good readers can find the Main Idea, and it helps them to understand a story!