Introduction
by Reese Desautels
Modified by Mikaela McDermott
Introduction
To identify the main idea of a reading, ask yourself this question: "What is being said about the person, thing, or idea (topic)?" The main idea is the most important point the author is trying to make -- it is the central point.
In our lovely book above, what do you think the main idea is?
That eating healthy helps you grow!
Now that we have identified the main idea of the book, we must find evidence that supports our idea. Supporting sentences has information that further prove and explain the author's point.
The leaves help the caterpillar grow into a butterfly, while the unhealthy food only gives the caterpillar a tummy ache.
These statements support the main idea and provide proof for the author's claim.
Through this WebQuest you'll become a pro in identifying an author's main idea and how that idea is supported with information from the story. You'll also be able to demonstrate your knowledge creating and supporting your own main idea.
Task
Task
How do we get our point across? The main idea is the most important idea that someone is writing or talking about. It is the overall idea.
Your job is to find:
- How to uncover the main idea
- How to support the main idea
- How to tell between the supporting information and the actual main idea
After your research, you will write an infomercial about a product. You must show the audience the main idea you are trying to get across about your product and four pieces of evidence supporting your main idea.
So give it go, after all this offer is only good while supplies last!
Here's an example http://youtu.be/ELrZRru0UbQ
Process
Step One: Watch video on Main Idea by clicking here.
Step Two: Take the review quiz to check your understanding by clicking here. Make sure you feel comfortable with identifying the main idea.
Think you understand? Now it's your turn to show your stuff!
Step Three: Download and print the writing web by clicking here.
Step Four: Decide on a product to "sell" on your infomercial.
Step Five: Determine your main idea -- what is the overall idea of your product. Write your main idea on your writing web. Is it the world's best mop? Will it change the way you view a watch?
Step Six: Create four supporting details about your main idea. Write your supporting details on your writing web. It magically erases scuff marks off floors. It provides you with time from all over the world.
Step Seven: Write a script for your infomercial that includes your product name, the overall idea of why we'd want it, and your four supporting details about your product.
Step Eight: Practice your infomercial. You may bring in props from home (appropriate) to enhance your sales pitch.
Step Ten: Performance!
Evaluation
This is how your infomercial will be graded. You will not be graded on the online quiz.
|
|
Beginning |
Developing |
Exemplary |
Score |
|
Creativity |
Little effort was made to be creative in student’s infomercial |
Some creative effort was made in student’s infomercial |
Sold! Student displayed upmost effort in creativity for infomercial |
|
|
Understanding Main Idea |
Student did not understand the concept of Main Idea |
Student understood some of the concept of Main Idea |
Student thoroughly demonstrated understanding of the concept of Main Idea |
|
|
Supporting Evidence |
Student did not include any supporting evidence for position. |
Student included one supportive piece of evidence for position. |
Student included two supportive pieces of evidence for position. |
Conclusion
In Conclusion
Hopefully everyone has learned something about identifying the main idea and supporting evidence in a story, article, commercial, or book. Remember:
- To figure out the main idea, ask yourself this question: What is being said about the person, thing, or idea (the topic)?
- The main idea can be placed anywhere throughout a paragraph. It can be at the beginning as part of the topic sentence with supportive information to follow. It can be at the end after all of the supportive information or it can be in the middle sandwiched by supporting evidence.
- The supporting details help prove the author's point. They give the main idea something to stand on.
Here are a few more links about main ideas:
Hamburger Game -- what is the "meat" or main idea of the sentences
What's the Big Idea -- riddles about finding the main idea
BrainPop Video -- how to find the main idea in a story
Take a look at any newspaper article and see if you can find the main idea and its supporting statements.
What about when you watch a TV show? Can you find the main idea of the episode?
The next time your friend tells a story, try and pinpoint what the main idea is and what the supportive points may be.
You'll use this concept for the rest of your life so work on building those skills today!
Credits
To all of the teachers in the States who've posted their lesson ideas online, they were a great guide.
Much thanks!
Author Biography
Permissions
We all benefit by being generous with our work. Permission is granted for others to use and modify this WebQuest for educational, non-commercial purposes as long as the original authorship is credited. The modified WebQuest may be shared only under the same conditions. See the Creative Commons Attribution • Non-Commercial• Share-Alike license for details.
Teacher Page
by Reese Desautels
Modified by Mikaela McDermott
Students explore how to determine the main idea of a story and support it with supporting information.
Teacher Introduction
As Seen on TV
Students research how to find the main idea in texts and how to find supportive information about the main idea. Then, using a writing web, students work in groups of two to create an infomercial highlighting the main idea of their product and supportive claims to back their idea.
Students are the asked to perform their infomercials in front of the class. While each group is performing the audience is trying to uncover what was the group's main idea and what was the four pieces of supportive information.
Deciphering the main message is a useful skill they'll utilize the rest of their lives.