Main Idea and Details Flashcards

Grade 2 · English · Flashcards

Practice identifying the main idea and supporting details in paragraphs.

Flashcards

main idea: The most important point — what the whole paragraph is MOSTLY about
detail: A fact, example, or reason that supports and tells more about the main idea
How do you find the main idea?: Ask: 'What is this mostly about?' — the answer is the main idea
How do you find details?: Ask: 'What facts or examples did the author give?' — those are details
Where is the main idea often found?: In the first sentence of a paragraph, though it can be anywhere
Are details more important than the main idea?: No — the main idea is most important; details support it
supporting detail: A sentence that helps explain or prove the main idea
What question does a detail answer?: Who, what, when, where, why, or how — giving specific information
topic vs. main idea: Topic = the subject (dogs). Main idea = what the author says about it (dogs make great pets).
Can a paragraph have more than one main idea?: No — a good paragraph has one main idea; all details should support it
Why is finding the main idea important?: It helps you understand and remember the most important information
Main idea test: If you can remove a sentence without losing the big point, it is likely a detail
Example: main idea: Paragraph about healthy food: 'Fruits and vegetables keep you healthy' — that is the main idea
Example: detail: In a paragraph about fruits, 'Oranges have vitamin C' is a supporting detail