MAIN IDEA What is the Main Idea? The main idea of a text is what the text is written about. The main idea of a paragraph, story, article, or other written text is the main theme, subject, or topic of that writing. The main idea of an article, for example, states why the article was written. The main idea is the reason the article was written. Example: Taking care of your teeth is very important. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day to keep them healthy. Brushing and flossing your teeth keeps your teeth healthy so that you do not get cavities. You should visit your dentist twice a year so that your dentist can check your teeth thoroughly. What is the main idea of this paragraph? The main idea is that taking care of your teeth is important. © 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.