Identifying and Writing Central Ideas

Learning Goals

• What we are learning: How to identify the central or main idea of a passage.

• Why we are learning this: To improve reading comprehension.

• How to know you have learned: Ability to identify and write the central idea after reading a passage.

What is a central idea:

• Central Idea Definition:

• Identifying Central Idea:

  • Ask yourself:

  • Look for supporting details in the passage; absence of detail may indicate an incorrect central idea.

Example Passage - Video Games.

Central Idea Options for Video Games

• A. Informing about the significant changes in video games over time.

• B. Suggesting arcade games were more fun than today's video games.

Central Idea Options for House Plants

• A. Houseplants are appealing and enjoyable to look at.

• B. Houseplants provide numerous health benefits when kept in the home.

Example Passage - A Number Crunching Companion

Writing Central Idea for Passage

• Prompt: Write a central idea for this passage:

  • Example: The author wrote this to inform us about the importance of balancing reliance on technology with personal abilities.

  • Supporting Evidence: This is shown when the passage states Sarah learned to rely on herself during the math test.

Example Passage - Crayons

Writing Central Idea for Crayons

• Prompt: Write a central idea for this passage:

  • Example: The author wrote this to inform us about the evolution of crayons into safer art supplies for children.

  • Supporting Evidence: This is shown when the passage states new materials were used to make crayons safe and affordable.