The main idea is the most important point that a story, article, or passage is trying to tell you. It's like the heart of the story—the big message or what the author wants you to remember.
Knowing the main idea helps you understand what you read and remember the most important parts.
When reading a news article, finding the main idea helps you quickly learn what's happening. In school, teachers often ask about the main idea to see if you understand the story.
In a story about a lost puppy who finds his way home, the main idea is about hope and friendship.
In a passage describing how plants grow, the main idea is to explain the steps of plant growth.
The main idea is the most important thing the author wants you to know.