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Main Idea and Main Idea and Supporting Details of Supporting Details of

Informative TextInformative Text

Main Idea and Main Idea and Supporting Details of Supporting Details of

Informative TextInformative Text

Today we will discernconcepts presented in text.• discern - to see something that is

not very clear or obvious• concepts - idea• text - the main body of a book or

other printed material as distinct from the introduction, index, illustrations, and headings

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• To perceive or recognize something

discern

The detective was able to discern the handprints with his magnify glass.

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• idea

concept

We learned a new concept about fractions.

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• the main body of a book or other printed material as distinct from the introduction, index, illustrations, and headings

text

He enjoyed reading the text in the book.

Discuss with your partner an idea that explains what all these people are

doing?

All these picture show____________All these picture show____________

Main Idea • Paragraphs have a main idea.

• The main idea tells you what the text is about.

• The main idea is the most important part of a paragraph.

Many newborn rattlesnakes do not survive their first year of life. A baby rattlesnake is only about ten inches long. Although baby rattlesnakes have short fangs and a poisonous bite, they are often eaten by birds and animals. The adult rattlesnakes do not raise their young. The young snakes are entirely on their own. Many die of hunger. In the winter, they die if they do not find a warm place where they can hibernate.

What is a main idea?

Supporting Details• The supporting details are the

sentences that describe and give more information about the main idea.

• These supporting details make the main idea stronger.

Many newborn rattlesnakes do not survive their first year of life. A baby rattlesnake is only about ten inches long. Although baby rattlesnakes have short fangs and a poisonous bite, they are often eaten by birds and animals. The adult rattlesnakes do not raise their young. The young snakes are entirely on their own. Many die of hunger. In the winter, they die if they do not find a warm place where they can hibernate.

Idea Tree

Read the Passage and Choosethe Main Idea

Niagara Falls is located North America. It is on the Niagara River halfway between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Niagara Falls is located on the American and Canadian border. The American Falls is 167 feet high. On the Canadian side, the Horseshoe Falls is 161 feet high.

Question

•What is the main idea of the passage?

•Remember main idea is what the text is about.

Niagara Falls is located in North America

half way Lake Ontario & ErieCanada US borderAmerican Falls 167 feetHorseshoe Falls 161 feet

Find the Supporting Detailsin this Passage

• The Erie Canal changed the way people moved goods in the 1800’s. The 363 mile canal connected Albany, New York to Lake Erie in Buffalo for the first time. When the Canal opened in 1825, building supplies and goods could be transported quickly and cheaply across New York State. Canal boats pulled by mules carried people and supplies across New York.

Erie Canal changed the way people transported goods

moved/transport goods & supplies

363 miles

connects Albany to Lake Erie

Cheap to move goods

canal boats pulled by mules

Quick Review

What is the main idea of a paragraph or essay?

The big idea of the text.

What are supporting details? Sentences that describe the main idea.

It is important to identify Main Idea and support

because:•You can understand reading better•You can use factual support

statements to explain your idea

Create an idea tree that identifies the Main Idea and Supporting

details of this passage Millions of whales have been hunted and killed since the early days of whaling in the 1700’s. Whales were killed to make things like fuel, oil, umbrellas, and skirt hoops made of whale bones. These days whales are killed to make soap, makeup, and animal food.

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