How do you find the main central idea?

The main idea is the central point or thought the author wants to communicate to readers. The main idea answers the question, “What does the author want me to know about the topic?” or “What is the author teaching me?” Often the author states the main idea in a single sentence.

Finding the main idea

1. At the beginning of paragraphs. The first sentence often explains the subject being discussed in the passage.
2. In the concluding sentences of a paragraph. The main idea can be expressed as a summation of the information in the paragraph as well as a link to the information in the next paragraph.

1. Step 1: Identify the topic.
2. Step 2: Identify what the author is saying about the topic.
3. Step 3: Identify the stated main idea.

The steps are:

1. Read the article and pay attention to the text features and text structures to determine the subject of the article.
2. Ask yourself “What is the subject of the article and what does the author reveal about the subject?” (That’s the central idea!)
3. Turn the central idea into a question.
4. Answer the question.

CENTRAL IDEA refers to What the text is mainly about. Central idea is NOT the topic of the text. Central idea can most often be stated in one sentence.

CENTRAL IDEA refers to What the text is mainly about. Central idea is NOT the topic of the text. Central idea can most often be stated in one sentence.

Your central idea should be One, full sentence. Your central idea should be a statement, not a question. Your central idea should be specific and use concrete language. Each element of your central idea should be related to the others.

Theme and central idea mean the same thing, therefore theme = central idea. Theme exists in fiction; central idea exists in nonfiction. Note: Another term that means the same as central idea is main idea. A) Theme/central idea is the author’s message to the reader.