Main Idea
 most important thought/point about the
topic
 usually a sentence, and it is usually the
first sentence of a paragraph. But not all the
time.
Topic
 the subject of the paragraph
 "Who or what is it about?"
 Look for repeated words
 It can be a single or two or more words
Supporting Details
 additional information that explains,
defines or proves the main idea.
1
Blood is a miracle liquid. 2Some blood
cells carry food and oxygen to body organs.
3 3
Other blood cells kill germs and help stop
cuts from bleeding. 4People can die if they
lose a lot of blood or if their blood cells get
sick. 5Doctors sometimes give people fresh
blood to save their lives.
Main idea: Blood is a miracle liquid.
Topic: Blood
Supporting Details: Sentence #: 2, 3, 4, 5
Main Idea
 most important thought/point about the
topic
 usually a sentence, and it is usually the
first sentence of a paragraph. But not all the
time.
Topic
 the subject of the paragraph
 "Who or what is it about?"
 Look for repeated words
 It can be a single or two or more words
Supporting Details
 additional information that explains,
defines or proves the main idea.
1
Blood is a miracle liquid. 2Some blood
cells carry food and oxygen to body organs.
Other blood cells kill germs and help stop
cuts from bleeding. 4People can die if they
lose a lot of blood or if their blood cells get
sick. 5Doctors sometimes give people fresh
blood to save their lives.
Main idea: Blood is a miracle liquid.
Topic: Blood
Supporting Details: Sentence #: 2, 3, 4, 5
Main Idea
 most important thought/point about the
topic
 usually a sentence, and it is usually the
first sentence of a paragraph. But not all the
time.
Topic
 the subject of the paragraph
 "Who or what is it about?"
 Look for repeated words
 It can be a single or two or more words
Supporting Details
 additional information that explains,
defines or proves the main idea.
1
Blood is a miracle liquid. 2Some blood
cells carry food and oxygen to body organs.
3
Other blood cells kill germs and help stop
cuts from bleeding. 4People can die if they
lose a lot of blood or if their blood cells get
sick. 5Doctors sometimes give people fresh
blood to save their lives.
Main idea: Blood is a miracle liquid.
Topic: Blood
Supporting Details: Sentence #: 2, 3, 4, 5