Define:
Main idea
Literature
The point that a writer is trying to make about the topic.
A topic refers to the content of what the selection is about.
Explain:
3 questions to help a reader find the main idea.
Identify:
The difference between the topic and the main idea.
The main idea is often a single-sentence summary.
Define:
Theme
Literature
The message, lesson or moral that the writer is trying to convey.
Example: Destiny vs. free will.
Identify:
How many main ideas can a piece of literature have?
one
In contrast, there can be multiple themes in a piece of literature.
Identify:
The first step in finding the main idea of a work.
Identifying the specific topic.
This is often found in the topic sentence.
Explain:
In order to find the main idea, what should a reader do first?
Determine what the writer is trying to say about the topic.
This involves asking what the author wants the reader to know.
Identify:
The last step in finding a main idea.
Combine the identified topic and the author’s message into one sentence.
This sentence will summarize the work’s main idea.
Identify:
Clues that help determine the main idea of a piece of literature.
These clues guide readers to understand the overall topic.
Define:
supporting details
Specific pieces of information that support the main idea or topic sentence.
They validate or expand on the main idea.
Identify:
Location of supporting details in an essay.
They most often follow the topic sentence or thesis statement.
Supporting details reinforce, validate or expand on the main idea.
Identify:
What types of supporting details are commonly used in informational essays?
The type of supporting details varies depending on the author’s purpose.
Identify:
The role of supporting details in fiction writing.
They help to paint a clearer picture of the main idea.
This ensures a uniform image is created for all readers.
Identify:
A type of supporting detail used in persuasive essays.
testimonials and quotes
They help to bolster the credibility of the argument.
Identify:
A type of supporting detail that uses a personal story.
anecdotes and examples
They provide real-life instances that support the main idea.
Identify:
The type of supporting detail that supports an argument.
reasons and explanations
Opinions fall under this type of supporting details.
Explain:
How do definitions and vocabulary help clarify a main idea?
Definitions and vocabulary are a type of supporting detail.
They define complicated or confusing terms.
This helps readers understand the main idea better.
Define:
major supporting details
Details that help to clarify the main idea of the essay.
They are essential for understanding the main concept.
Define:
minor supporting details
Details that help to clarify the major supporting details.
They provide additional context but do not directly support the main idea.
Explain:
How do supporting details relate to and prove the main idea in a story?
Define:
summary
A short statement that summarizes or informs the audience of the main ideas of a longer piece of writing.
Summaries often appear at the end of literature to give an overview of the main themes.
Describe:
What should a summary include?
Main ideas and a brief overview, without unnecessary details.
It should not give away the entire plot, especially in the case of books.
Identify:
Steps to draft an effective summary.
Explain:
The purpose of an author tag in a summary.
To introduce the source and give a reason for its inclusion.
The format typically includes the author’s name, a reporting verb, and a quote or paraphrase.