Grade: Grade 1 Subject: English Language Arts Unit: Main Idea Lesson: 3 of 6 SAT: Information+Ideas ACT: Reading

Text Practice

Learn

Now it is time to practice finding the main idea in different kinds of texts! Remember what you learned:

  • The main idea is what the text is mostly about.
  • Supporting details are facts that tell more about the main idea.
  • Ask yourself: "What is the big idea the author wants me to know?"

Tips for Finding the Main Idea

  1. Read the whole text first. Do not stop to guess too soon.
  2. Look at the title. It often gives a hint about the main idea.
  3. Find details that repeat. If many sentences talk about the same thing, that is probably the main idea.
  4. Say it in your own words. Can you tell someone what the text is mostly about in one sentence?

Examples

Example 1: A Short Story

Sam has a new puppy named Max. Max likes to run and jump. Sam throws a ball, and Max brings it back. They play every day after school. Sam loves his puppy very much.

What is the main idea?

The main idea is: Sam and his puppy Max love to play together.

Supporting details: Max runs and jumps. Sam throws a ball. They play every day.

Example 2: An Informational Text

Apples grow on trees. Apple trees need sun and water to grow. In fall, apples are ready to pick. People eat apples in many ways. You can eat them fresh, bake them in a pie, or drink apple juice.

What is the main idea?

The main idea is: Apples grow on trees and people eat them in many ways.

Supporting details: Trees need sun and water. Apples are picked in fall. You can eat them fresh, in pie, or as juice.

Practice

Read each passage below. Then answer the questions about the main idea and supporting details.

Passage 1: The Library

The library is a great place to visit. You can borrow books for free. There are books about animals, space, and adventures. The library also has computers you can use. A librarian can help you find what you need.

1. What is this passage mostly about?

  • A) How to use a computer
  • B) The library is a great place with many things to do
  • C) Books about animals
  • D) Who works at the library

2. Which detail supports the main idea?

  • A) The library is closed on Sundays
  • B) You can borrow books for free
  • C) Some books are old
  • D) Libraries are quiet

Passage 2: Helping at Home

Mia helps her family at home. She sets the table before dinner. After dinner, she helps wash the dishes. On weekends, Mia feeds the family cat. Her mom and dad are proud of her.

3. What is the main idea of this passage?

  • A) Mia has a cat
  • B) Mia helps her family at home
  • C) Mia likes to eat dinner
  • D) Mia's parents work hard

4. Which is NOT a supporting detail?

  • A) Mia sets the table
  • B) Mia washes dishes
  • C) Mia goes to school
  • D) Mia feeds the cat

Passage 3: Rain

Rain is very important. Plants need rain to grow. Animals drink rainwater. Rain fills up rivers and lakes. Without rain, the earth would be very dry.

5. What is the main idea?

  • A) Plants need water
  • B) Rain is very important for the earth
  • C) Rivers are full of water
  • D) Animals like to drink

6. Name two supporting details from the passage.

(Write your answer)

Passage 4: My Birthday Party

Last Saturday was my birthday party. My friends came to my house. We played games and ate cake. I got presents wrapped in colorful paper. It was the best day ever!

7. What is the passage mostly about?

  • A) Eating cake
  • B) A fun birthday party
  • C) Opening presents
  • D) Playing games

8. Which sentence tells us the author had a good time?

  • A) My friends came to my house
  • B) I got presents
  • C) It was the best day ever
  • D) We ate cake

Passage 5: Dogs

Dogs make great pets. They are loyal and friendly. Dogs can learn tricks like sit, stay, and roll over. Some dogs help people who cannot see. Dogs need food, water, and love to be happy.

9. What is the main idea of this passage?

  • A) Dogs can do tricks
  • B) Dogs make great pets
  • C) Some dogs help blind people
  • D) Dogs need food

10. Write one supporting detail in your own words.

(Write your answer)

Check Your Understanding

Think about what you learned. Answer these questions in your head or out loud.

  1. What is a main idea?
  2. What are supporting details?
  3. How do you find the main idea in a passage?
  4. Why is it helpful to read the whole text before deciding on the main idea?

Practice Answer Key

1. B | 2. B | 3. B | 4. C | 5. B | 7. B | 8. C | 9. B

6 and 10 will vary - check that your answers come from the passage!

Next Steps

  • Try finding the main idea in a book you read at home
  • Tell a family member what a story was mostly about
  • Continue to the next lesson: Writing Application