ENGLISH: Main Idea
- Due No due date
- Points 50
- Questions 5
- Time Limit None
- Allowed Attempts Unlimited
Instructions
ENGLISH: Main Idea
Redo the assignment until you earn all the points!!
Recognizing the main idea, or point, is the most important key to better reading.
When you read, get in the habit of asking: “What is the main point the author is trying to make?”
Main Idea Hints
Use the topic to lead you to the main idea.- The topic is the general subject of a selection. Knowing the topic can help you find a writer’s main point about that topic. To find the topic of a selection, ask this simple question: Who or what is the selection about? What is the most important NOUN- person, place, thing, or idea?
The main idea is the author’s general point.- The main idea sums up what the entire paragraph is about.
That other material is made up of supporting details—specific evidence such as examples, reasons, or facts.
Topic: Phobias
Main idea: Phobias are continuing fears of things that are not likely to be harmful.
Supporting details:
- Fear that an elevator ride will end in a fall to death.
- Fear that an injection will cause death.
- Fear that speaking in public will lead to pity or rejection.
Directions: Each group of four items includes a topic, a main idea, and two details that support the main idea. Click the main idea in each group.
Assignment Example
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a. The spinal column prevents the body from caving in on itself. b. The spinal column protects the delicate nerve tissue of the spinal cord. c. Roles of the spinal column. d. The human body could not function without the spinal column. |
Answer: d The human body could not function without the spinal column.- Main Idea
Roles of the spinal column.- Topic
The spinal column prevents the body from caving in on itself.- Supporting Detail
The spinal column protects the delicate nerve tissue of the spinal cord.- Supporting Detail