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Understanding the Main Idea - Importance and Format

Learn about the main idea in fiction and non-fiction writing, its role as a topic sentence or thesis, and what it is and isn't. Discover how to identify and support the main idea using examples and evidence.

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Understanding the Main Idea - Importance and Format

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  1. Main Idea What it is And What it isn’t

  2. What is a main idea? The main idea IS like a micro note The main idea IS the topic sentence of a paragraph. (fiction) The main idea IS the thesis (claim statement) of a piece of writing. (non-fiction) The main idea IS the Character + Conflict + Resolution Statement. (fiction) The Main idea can be a theme if a “main idea” statement can not be made.

  3. What the main idea isn't? The main idea is NOT a single detailof the story. The main idea is NOT specific to just one character. It must include all of the characters. The main idea is NOT just the subject of the story. Main ideas are NOT always stated in the story. In other words, you must figure out the main idea yourself.

  4. Main Idea or not? • Johnny gets jumped and is always scared. • The dog barked at a butterfly. • The lesson learned is: People can be mean. • Charlotte’s Web • Love conquers all. • Sharks are the most feared animal in the sea. • Julie wore a red hat. • Tiger Woods made golf history. • “Breaking of school rules results in discipline.” Says Mr. Yuhan • Hard work pays off. • It is important to raise money for schools.

  5. Full Name_____________________________________ Date_________ Period ____ What it is • Like a micronote • What something was about • Topic Sentence of a paragraph (fiction) • Thesis of a piece of writing (non-fiction) • Character+Conflict+ Resolution Statement (fiction) • What it is not • Detail in a story • Dialogue • Title • Not specific to one character • Always stated or obvious Main Idea • Johnny gets jumped and is always scared. • Sharks are the most feared animal in the sea. • Tiger Woods made golf history. • It is important to raise money for schools • Love conquers all. • Julie wore a red hat. • The dog barked at a butterfly. • “Breaking school rules results in discipline.” Said Mr. Yuhan • People can be mean. • Charlotte’s Web

  6. When answering short answer “Main Idea” questions on assessments, worksheets, projects, etc. It is important to remember the correct format: • Example: • What is the main idea of chapter 4 of The Outsiders? • C: Main idea statement • E: Evidence from text to support • E: Evidence from text to support • R: Reason the evidence supports your answer.

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