Reading Strategy: Determine Importance

When you read, look for the main ideas and the most important details. The author may not state them directly, so look for clues to determine what they are.

Reading Strategy: Determine Importance
    How to Identify Main Ideas and Details

  • 1. Turn the title into a question.

  • 2. Look for information to answer your question. Record what you find.

  • 3. Think about how the details answer your question. Write one or two sentences to state the main ideas.

Strategy to Action

Here’s how one student identified main ideas and details.

Look Into the Text

Kiki, that rascal, had escaped when I opened the door. She scampered across the lawn and slipped into the Garcías’ yard.

I followed her and searched the bushes next to the house. When I finally spotted her, I had to bend low to reach her. She pawed at my outstretched fingers. I was about to call to her when I heard two men’s voices drifting through the open window above my head. They were talking about my father. I froze.

These details seem important. I will add them to the chart.

“Alberto Pérez is involved,” said Mr. García.

Main-Idea Chart Title: Brave Butterflies Question: How can butterflies be brave? What brave thing did they do? Detail: Two men are talking about the girl’s father and she stops to listen. Detail: Her father is involved in something. Detail: Main Idea:

Main-Idea Chart

Title: Brave Butterflies

Question: How can butterflies be brave? What brave thing did they do?

Detail: Two men are talking about the girl’s father and she stops to listen.

Detail: Her father is involved in something.

Detail:

Main Idea:

Practice Together

Make a Main-Idea Chart like the one above. Follow the steps in the How-To box as you read the selection. Record important details and state the main ideas.