MAIN IDEA/GIST
A statement about
what the passage
is mostly about
MAIN IDEA/GIST
• In narratives, identify main idea of a
single paragraph or series of
paragraphs
• In expository/mixed selections, main
idea may also include entire
selections
MAIN IDEA/GIST
To find the main idea, imagine
saying to a friend, “Well, basically,
this story is about ___________”
SUPPORTING DETAILS
Sometimes the author does not state
the main idea directly in a story or
paragraph. This means that you have
to pay attention to the supporting
details in a story or paragraph to
figure out the main idea.
Details PROVE the
main idea.
PAY
ATTENTION TO
DETAILS
M A I N
I D E A
SUMMER IS FUN
D
E
T
SWIMMING
STAYING UP
LATE
A
I
L
S
VACATIONING
Prove it!
Now it’s your turn! Fill in the details for the
following:
M A I N
I D E A
Owning a dog is a
lot of work
D
E
T
A
I
L
S
Prove it!
TAKS QUESTION TIPS
MAIN IDEA
WATCH OUT for details,
inaccurate/contradictory information.
MAKE SURE you base your answer only on
the specified paragraph.
SUPPORTING DETAILS
WATCH OUT for inaccurate/contradictory
information.
MAKE SURE the answer you select is
responsive to the question and supported
by the passage.
SAMPLE TAKS QUESTION
7.18—Paragraph 2 is mainly about –
F. Sandra’s feelings as she watches Angela skate
correct answer
G. The crowds’ reaction when Angela finishes skating
accurate detail, but not the main idea
H. Angela’s first experience in the championship
main idea of a different part of the passage,
but not of the targeted section.
I. The music that Angela skates to during her program
plausible statement related, but
inaccurate/contradictory information in the
passage
TAKS STEM QUESTIONS
MAIN IDEA
1. What is the article mainly about?
2. Paragraphs ___ and ___ are mainly about –
3. Paragraph ___ is mainly about –
SUPPORTING DETAILS
1. In paragraph ___, ___________ does _________________
because –
2. How did _____________ do ____________________?
3. Why did ____________ do _________________________?