Key Takeaways
- Main idea is the central message; supporting details provide evidence
- Topic sentences are often in the first or last paragraph
- Supporting details include facts, examples, reasons, statistics, and descriptions
- Ask "What is this mostly about?" to identify the main idea
- Help students use graphic organizers to map ideas and details
Main Ideas and Supporting Details
Identifying main ideas and supporting details is one of the most important reading skills tested on the ParaPro Assessment. This skill is essential for helping students comprehend texts in the classroom.
What Is a Main Idea?
The main idea is the central point or message of a passage. It answers the question: "What is this passage mostly about?"
Characteristics of Main Ideas:
- Expresses the overall topic in a complete thought
- Is usually stated in the first or last paragraph
- Is broad enough to cover all major points
- Can sometimes be implied rather than stated directly
What Are Supporting Details?
Supporting details are specific facts, examples, reasons, or descriptions that explain or prove the main idea.
Types of Supporting Details:
| Type | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Facts | Provide evidence | "Water boils at 100°C." |
| Examples | Illustrate concepts | "Birds include robins, sparrows, and eagles." |
| Reasons | Explain why | "Plants need sunlight for photosynthesis." |
| Statistics | Quantify information | "75% of students improved their scores." |
| Descriptions | Create mental images | "The forest was dense with towering pine trees." |
Finding the Main Idea
Step 1: Read the entire passage first
Step 2: Ask yourself: "What is this mostly about?"
Step 3: Look for a topic sentence (often first or last sentence)
Step 4: Check that other sentences support this idea
Example Passage
Schools across the country are adding more physical education time to the school day. Research shows that physical activity improves concentration and academic performance. Students who exercise regularly score higher on tests. Additionally, daily physical activity helps reduce obesity rates among children.
Main Idea: Schools are increasing physical education because it benefits students academically and physically.
Supporting Details:
- Physical activity improves concentration
- Students who exercise score higher on tests
- Physical activity reduces obesity
Topic vs. Main Idea
| Element | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Topic | The subject in 1-3 words | "Physical education" |
| Main Idea | The point about the topic | "Physical education benefits students academically and physically" |
Classroom Application
As a paraprofessional, you'll help students identify main ideas by:
- Asking guiding questions: "What is this paragraph mostly about?"
- Using graphic organizers to map main ideas and details
- Teaching students to look for topic sentences
- Helping students distinguish important from unimportant information
What is the main difference between a topic and a main idea?
Which of the following is a supporting detail for the main idea "Exercise improves health"?