Topic vs. Main Idea

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. It would be like a handle and a bowl without the idea of “cup” or bread and meat without the idea of “sandwich”

5. Types of main idea • Stated 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