FINDING THE MAIN IDEA

The Main idea is the “main point” the author is trying to make. This should be a statement, not a question.

First ask yourself...Who or What is this passage about?

Second ask yourself...What is the author telling us about this topic?  

Next ask yourself...How do you know?  FIND SUPPORTING DETAILS!

Finally ask yourself...Do these details support the main idea?

If yes, you have the main idea!  You can then write a summary that states the main idea and details that support it.