Understanding Main Ideas & Details
What is the Main Idea?
The main idea is the big point or message the author wants you to remember. Details are the small pieces of information that support or explain the main idea. Learning to find the main idea and supporting details helps you understand what you read much better!
How to Find the Main Idea
- Look at the title and headings.
- Read the first and last sentences of a paragraph.
- Ask yourself, "What is this mostly about?"
Why Details Matter
Details give you clues about the main idea. They answer questions like who, what, when, where, why, and how.
Practice Makes Perfect
Try finding the main idea and details in short stories, news articles, or even in a recipe!
Real-World Uses
Understanding the main idea helps you summarize stories, remember what you've learned, and tell others important information.
Examples
Reading a story about penguins, the main idea is that penguins live in cold places, and details are facts about their homes and food.
In a textbook about plants, the main idea might be how plants grow, with details about sunlight, water, and soil.
In a Nutshell
Learn to spot the big message and supporting details in any text.