Find the Main Idea
• Ask yourself, “What does the author want me to know about the topic?” or “What is
the author teaching me?”
• Look for a sentence that states the main idea. This is the stated main idea or topic
sentence.
• At times the main idea will not be stated directly. This is called an implied main idea.
•
• Your main idea will include the topic and the central point that the author expresses.
Topic: growing up in a small town
Correct Main Idea
Incorrect Main Idea: Safe neighborhoods is one reason rural areas are good. The
Topic: Informal Settlements
Correct Main Idea: People are in danger in informal settlements.
Incorrect Main Idea: How people are in danger in informal settlements. The incorrect
Try this one!
“Out of Many, One People”
from a history of inhabitants beginning with the original Tainos. The Spaniards
1655. Jamaica later gained Emancipation on August 1, 1838, and Independence from
Chinese and Indian migrants were transported to the island workers as indentured
labourers, bringing with them ideas from the Far East. These contributions resulted
practices of the Jamaicans.
Page 2 LANGUAGE ARTS PERFORMANCE TASK GRADE 4