Lesson 2: Topic vs.

Central Idea
Lesson Overview: This lesson will introduce to the definitions of topic and central idea,
how they are similar and different, and how they connect to each other.
Resources or Materials Needed
Chart paper and markers
Topic Vs. Central Idea Sorting Activity
Performance Objective: Given a list of topics and central idea statements, students will
be able to separate the topics from the central ideas with 100% accuracy.
Time: 55 minutes
Step 1: Pre-Instructional Activities
Have students discuss, with their partner, the meaning or synonyms of topic.
Share out with class and have them explain how they know.
Teacher asks students what they remember about main idea?
Students think, pair, and share with class what they can recall.
Explain todays purpose and make the connection between main idea and central
idea.
Step 2: Content Presentation
Define the word topic for students, 1-4 word subject of the text. Record on chart
paper.
Give students several examples of topics (i.e. dolphins, video games, football,
music, playing the piano, etc.) List on chart paper.
Define the phrase central idea; what a particular text says about the topic, it is a
complete sentence/statement that explains the main point of the text in its entirety.
Record on chart paper.
Give students several examples of central idea statements. (i.e. Dolphins breathe
oxygen to survive. Video games are a favorite activity of adolescents. Football in
South America is different than football in the United States. There are many
genres of music. Playing the piano well requires consistent practice.) List on
chart paper.
Step 3: Learner Participation
Student will complete the Topic Vs. Central Idea Sorting Activity with their table
group. They need to discuss with each other and come to a consensus on which
category each card belongs in and be able to prove how they know.
After they finish sorting their cards they will go to another groups table, with a
different set of cards, to see how they organized them. Discuss with each other
why they put their cards in each pile and ask the group questions if they need
clarification.

Step 4: Assessment
Teacher will be assessing student pairs ability to distinguish the topics from the
central ideas based on which pile they put them in.
As the teacher is checking in with groups he/she will ask them to prove their
answers or explain how they know and provide verbal feedback on their
responses.
Students will take a post assessment that contains a question about distinguishing
the topics from the central idea statements. Feedback will be given on the rubric
upon completion.
Step 5: Follow-Through Activities
As students come into contact with more informational texts they will be asked to
first identify the topic and after reading discuss the central idea
As a homework assignment, students will be asked to discuss with an adult or
older sibling the topic of a news story they read/heard recently and what they
central idea was. Students will share what they found out with their groups the
following day.
Students can write or sketch what they discussed with someone at home.