5. The first
common mistake
is when you make
a main idea that
is too narrow.
The second
common mistake
is when you make
a main idea that
is too broad.
The third common
mistake is when you
make a main idea
that is so complex
because the author
talked about it a
lot, but the main
idea is the opposite
of what you think.
6.
7. One
way to avoid
having a main Idea
too narrow, is by
including the major
details in your
main idea.
8.
9. A way to avoid
having a main idea
that is too broad,
is by looking at
the big picture,
not just what is in
every paragraph.
10.
11. One method that you can
use to avoid having a main
idea that is complex, but
the opposite, is by reading
the passage carefully, and
don't choose a main idea
that sounds right, choose
an answer that has to do
with what you've read.
12.
13. Main ideas are used in many
different ways. Writers choose a
topic and write about it. That is
the main idea. If there is a book
that you've read, that has so many
details and is overwhelming,
then Find The main idea. Determine
What the passage is mostly
about.
14. Here are some
examples for you.
after each example
you will see the
correct answer.
Good luck!
15. Julia, Emily, and Jamie baked
some cupcakes. Jamie put a
bucket load of sprinkles and
purple icing on her cupcake.
Emily and Julia put a little bit of
sprinkles and pink icing on their
cupcake. What is the main idea?
16. a) jamie put a lot of sprinkles
on her cupcake
b) Emily and julia put pink
icing on their cupcakes
c) Jamie, Julia, and Emily baked
cupcakes.
If you
guessed
c, than
you are
correct.
17. Bob, Fred, and John went to
a birthday party. John went
swimming, and Bob and
Fred ate the treats. They all
got balloons and gift bags
at the end of the party.
What is the main idea?
18. a) The 3 boys got gift bags
and balloons
b) They all went to a party
c) Fred and Bob ate the treats
If you
guessed b,
then you
are
correct.
19. Ben, Julie, and Kate
made a chart about
popular ice cream
flavors. 11 out of 32
kids like vanilla, and 21
out 32 like chocolate.
What is the main idea?
20. a) Ben, Julie, and
Kate make a chart
on popular ice
cream flavors
b) 11 out of 32 kids
like vanilla
c) 21 out of 32 kids
like chocolate
If you
guessed
a, then
you are
correct.
21. Five kids were
playing outside.
Then, their parents
told them to come
in. The kids asked
them why, and their
parents told them a
bear was in the
neighborhood. Next
week, the bear was
gone, so the kids
played outside. What
is the main idea?
22. a) The kids asked their
parents what was going on
b) The kids played outside
c) The parents told them
there was a bear in the
neighborhood
If you guessed c,
then you are correct.
23. Max's mom knew today was the day. Max
asked his mom what was so special about
today. Max's dad told him that he needs to
pack. After Max packed his things, they
left. When he got there, he screamed. He
was going to Universal Studios! When Max
came home, he was so happy! What is the
main idea?
24. a) Max's dad told
him to pack
b) Max screamed
c) Max's mom
surprised him
and took him to
Universal
Studios
If you
guessed c,
then you are
correct.
25.
26. Emily was worried because
when she woke up, her parents
weren't home. They left a note
that said that they were picking
up a surprise. Emily went to
her friend's house and discussed
the note. When Emily got
home, she saw her mom, dad,
and a baby sister! Emily hugged
her parents and thanked them.
What is the main idea?
27. a) Emily talked to her
friend
b) Emily got a baby
sister
c) emily read the note
If you guessed
b, then you are
correct.
28.
29. Snakes are amazing
creatures. They are
very smart. the way
snakes smell is by
using their tongue.
Snakes are in the
reptile family. They
help rid areas of
rodents.What is the
main idea?
30. a) snakes are amazing
creatures
b) snakes are smart
c) never mess with a
snake
If you
guessed a,
then you are
correct.
31. Have you ever wanted more
than one job? Well long ago,
it wasn't very easy to get
more than one job. That is
why Rachel Carson had to
work very hard. She wanted
to be a writer and a biologist.
She got sick very often, but
kept on working. She learned
a valuable lesson. If you put
effort into anything, and you
will accomplish anything.
What is the main idea?
32. a) rachel carson
wanted to be a writer
and a biologist
b) it was hard back
then to have more than
1 job
c) put effort into
anything, and you will
accomplish anything
34. Now after reading
this, i hope that you
understand what a
main idea is. we
discussed the three
common mistakes, and
how we can avoid
them. We did some
practices, and we
learned what a main
idea is. Learn more
every day!
