Skill Spotlight: Central/Main Idea

Skill Spotlight: Central/Main Idea

Defined

The central or main idea of a text is the most important point that an author makes about a topic. In other words, it answers the question What’s it all about? In order to find the answer, you must look for supporting ideas and details that the author supplies about the topic. Ask yourself, What do these supporting ideas or details have in common? What ideas do they express, explain, or describe? The answer to this question will lead you to the central or main idea.

Identification and Application:

• Each paragraph or group of paragraphs in a text may have a central or main idea. As these ideas emerge they become details that support a larger central idea of the complete text.
• Graphic features such as photographs, diagrams, maps, and charts may all provide details that support the central or main idea in the text.
• An objective summary is a shortened form of the text that incorporates the most important ideas. An objective summary can be written after the central or main idea and supporting details have been determined.
  • Begin your objective summary with a topic sentence and include supporting details.
  • Do not include personal opinions or judgments in your objective summary.