MAIN IDEA What is the Main Idea? The main idea is the overall theme of a paragraph or section of a text. Example: Mary loves to read more than anything else. She reads before and after school. She also reads during lunch time and even on the playground. All she asks for her birthday is…books! The main idea of this paragraph is that Mary loves to read. Supporting details support the main idea of a paragraph or section of a text. Example: If the main idea of a paragraph is that Rochester, NY had an extremely cold winter, a detail that would support this main idea could be that Rochester’s average temperature from December to February was only 20° F . Try This! Kyle practices playing hockey every day. He practices with his team and even with his Dad after his practice is over. Kyle knows that in order to be a great hockey player, you have to practice, practice, practice. What is the main idea of the above paragraph? a] Kyle is on a hockey team. b] Kyle practices with his Dad. c] Kyle plays hockey. d] Kyle practices hockey a lot in order to become a great hockey player. © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted for the purchaser to print copies for non-commercial educational purposes only. Visit us at www.NewPathLearning.com.