Central Idea & Supporting Details

What's the Main Point?

When you read informational text, the author wants you to learn something important. The central idea is the main point, and supporting details help prove it!

Topic vs. Central Idea

TOPIC

What the text is about
Just 1-2 words

Example: "Bees"

CENTRAL IDEA

The MAIN POINT about the topic
A complete sentence

Example: "Bees are important because they help plants grow."

The Umbrella Idea

Think of the central idea like an umbrella. All the supporting details fit underneath it!

CENTRAL IDEA:
Bees help plants grow

Bees carry pollen

They visit many flowers

Pollen helps plants make seeds

Each detail SUPPORTS (helps prove) the central idea!

Let's Read Together: "Amazing Dolphins"

Dolphins are one of the smartest animals in the ocean. They use sounds to talk to each other and can learn many tricks. Dolphins work together to catch fish by swimming in circles around them. Scientists have taught dolphins to follow directions and solve puzzles. Baby dolphins stay with their mothers for years to learn how to survive. Dolphins even recognize themselves in mirrors, something very few animals can do!

Finding the Central Idea

Topic: Dolphins (what the text is about)

Central Idea: Dolphins are one of the smartest animals in the ocean.

How did we find it?

The first sentence tells us the main point
Every other sentence gives examples of how smart dolphins are
Ask: "What does the author MOST want me to learn?"

Finding Supporting Details

Which details from the passage support the central idea that dolphins are smart?

✓ They use sounds to communicate
✓ They work together to catch fish
✓ They can learn tricks and solve puzzles
✓ They recognize themselves in mirrors

Notice: Each detail shows an example of dolphin intelligence!

Your Turn!

1. What is the TOPIC of the passage about dolphins?

2. What is the CENTRAL IDEA of the passage? (Write a complete sentence)

3. Which detail from the passage BEST supports the idea that dolphins are smart?

○ A. Dolphins live in the ocean. ○ B. Scientists have taught dolphins to solve puzzles. ○ C. Dolphins eat fish. ○ D. Dolphins are a type of mammal.

4. How does the detail about mirrors support the central idea?

This detail supports the central idea because...

Remember!

To find the central idea, ask: "What is the MAIN POINT the author wants me to understand?"

Supporting details must be RELEVANT - they need to help prove the central idea!