What is the Main Idea?
The main idea is the most important thing the paragraph is talking about. It’s like the umbrella that covers all the other ideas underneath.
If the paragraph is about cats, and it talks about how they purr, sleep, and play, the main idea is: 'Cats do a lot of interesting things.
Ask Two Simple Questions
What is this paragraph mostly talking about?
What is the most important thing the author wants me to know about this topic?
Look for Clues
the main idea is often found in the first or last sentence of the paragraph.
Elephants are the largest land animals. They have long trunks and big ears. Elephants live in groups and eat a lot of food every day.
What is this paragraph mostly about?
Elephants
What is the most important thing the author wants us to know about elephants?
They are the largest land animals.
Main Idea:
Elephants are the largest land animals.
