Main idea is the most important point that the author wants the reader to understand about a text. It tells what the passage is mostly about.
The main idea is the “big picture” of a passage. Details support it, but they are not the main idea themselves.
To find the main idea, ask yourself: “What is this passage mostly about?” Look for clues in the first and last sentences, and pay attention to repeated ideas.
The main idea can often be said in just one sentence. If your answer is too long, it may be a detail instead.
Supporting details are the facts, examples, and descriptions that explain or prove the main idea. Without them, the main idea would not make sense.
If a sentence explains, describes, or gives evidence for the main idea, it is a supporting detail.
Nonfiction passages often state the main idea clearly, while stories may require you to infer it by thinking about what happens to the characters.
In stories, think about what the character learns or what lesson the events show. That often points to the main idea.
Understanding the main idea helps you become a stronger reader. It allows you to summarize what you read and remember the most important parts.
Good readers always look for the main idea to understand and explain what they have read.