Main Idea

Introduction

Students explore how to determine the main idea of a story and support it with supporting information.

What was this authortrying to say?

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 story Mahailia Jackson, what do you think the main idea is?

That she was a famous blues singer who grew up listening to music!

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. 

Mahailia Jackson grew up listening to blues and gospel music.  She learned how to sing the blues from singing gospel in church.

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

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 work with a partner 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 and your partner 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!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELrZRru0UbQ&feature=youtu.be

Process

Step One: You will be working with your reading group.

Step Two: Watch video on Main Idea https://www.brainpop.com/english/writing/mainidea/

Step Three: Take the review quiz to check your understanding by clicking https://www.brainpop.com/english/writing/mainidea/quiz/ Make sure you feel comfortable with identifying the main idea.

Think you understand? Now it's your turn to show your stuff!

Step Four: With your group, 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: Transfer your script to a powerpoint presentation.

Step Eight: Practice your infomercial with your partner. You may bring in props from home (appropriate) to enhance your sales pitch.

Step Nine: Performance! We will act out the performance in class.

You will be given plenty of time in class to complete this assignment.

 

 

Evaluation

This is how your infomercial will be evaluated.

Beginning
1

Developing
2

Exemplary
3

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

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.

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!