Main Idea & Supporting Details
The main idea is the central point or thought of a passage. Supporting details provide information to clarify, explain, or elaborate on the main idea.
Lesson Content
When reading a passage, it's important to identify the main idea and the supporting details that help develop it. The main idea is often stated in a topic sentence, which is usually found at the beginning or end of a paragraph.
Example Passage
The ocean is home to countless fascinating creatures. Colorful fish dart among coral reefs, while massive whales migrate through deep waters. Tiny plankton float near the surface, providing food for many marine animals. Even the darkest depths harbor strange bioluminescent organisms that create their own light.
Analysis: Main idea: The ocean contains many fascinating creatures. Supporting details: colorful fish, massive whales, tiny plankton, and bioluminescent organisms.
To find the main idea, ask yourself: 'What is this passage mostly about?' The supporting details will answer questions like who, what, when, where, why, and how.