Writers of nonfiction usually organize their text into sections. Each section has a main idea—what the writer is mostly telling about the topic. The section heading often gives a clue to the topic of the section.

Practice Together

Read for the Main Idea Read this section from “Familiar Places.” Use the heading to figure out the topic. Then look for a sentence that gives the main idea about the topic.

Many people from India moved to Chicago, Illinois, in the 1960s.

Try It!

Look for the Main Idea Read the text on page 53. Tell what the topic is. Then find the main idea of the section.

Share with a Partner Compare your thoughts with a partner’s. Tell how the main idea relates to the topic.