central idea essay structure

Reading Skills

Finding the central idea.

• The Albert Team
• Last Updated On: December 27, 2023

What We Review

Introduction

Understanding the central idea in reading is an essential skill for comprehending both literary and informational texts. Think of it as the heart of what the author wants to tell us. It’s not just the subject of the text but the key message or argument the author is presenting.

In articles or speeches, you might find this main idea in the first few sentences. But when it comes to novels or stories, it’s a bit like a puzzle. You’ll need to connect the dots throughout and sometimes even after you’ve finished reading to really grasp it.

In this blog post, we’re going to explore some great ways to identify this central idea, and we’ll try out some activities to practice this skill. Are you ready to get started? Let’s jump right in!

Defining Central Idea

The central idea of a text is not quite the same as the topic or theme. But that does not mean that both things are not important! In fact, being familiar with both the topic and theme is a stepping stone to grasping the central idea.

For example, take Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice . One of the initial topics is Antonio’s venture trading. Another possible topic is Antonio’s melancholy, but more is needed to understand the play’s central idea. As the play continues, the theme of Antisemitism is apparent in Antonio’s treatment of Shylock, the Jewish money-lender. However, there are so many other themes present! Love, deception, and marriage also feature – the theme alone does not accurately represent the central idea. 

Looking at the play as a whole allows us to understand Shakespeare’s broader message about the human experience. For instance, a possible central idea in The Merchant of Venice is how it exposes the hypocrisy in both Christian and Jewish communities, showing how neither is morally superior despite their claims.

Additionally, a text can have several messages or central ideas expressed throughout the text, and Shakespeare is no exception to this.

The play suggests that these concepts are intertwined. In the climax, when Portia, disguised as a lawyer, serves justice to Shylock, it’s more than he bargained for. Meanwhile, Antonio, who was at risk of death, receives mercy. This twist of events highlights that mercy can sometimes be a form of justice, and vice versa, as seen when Antonio shows mercy to Shylock through his daughter, Jessica.

Strategies for Identifying the Central Idea

To find the central idea in a text, it’s essential to practice close reading , which means reading the text multiple times, each time with a different focus. Here’s how it works:

• Preview the Text: Start by quickly going through the text to get a general idea of what it’s about. Look at things like headings, opening sentences, or any images or graphs.
• First Reading – Basic Understanding: Now, read the text more thoroughly to understand what it’s saying. This is where you get a grip on the main topics and the basic storyline or arguments.
• Second Reading – Deeper Understanding: Read the text again, but this time, pay attention to the key ideas and details. Think about how different parts of the text connect to each other.
• Third Reading – Author’s Purpose and Perspective: In this reading, try to understand why the author wrote the text and their viewpoint. What are they trying to tell us? Why do they think this topic is important?
• Identifying the Central Idea: After these readings, use everything you’ve gathered to figure out the central idea. This is where you put together the main messages from the text and understand what the author wants to say about life or the human experience.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to dive deep into a text and really understand not just what it’s about but what message the author is trying to convey.

Drawing Conclusions about the Central Idea

To accurately understand the central idea of a text, it’s important to analyze key elements systematically. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

• Understand the Plot: Make sure you have a clear grasp of the story’s events. What happens and in what order?
• Review the Characters: Focus on the characters, especially those who undergo significant changes. How and why do they change throughout the story?
• Analyze Character Motivations and Actions: Consider what drives these characters. How do their motivations and actions highlight the main themes or key ideas in the text?
• Link Themes to Character Development: Connect the dots between what motivates the characters and the broader themes of the story. This will help you form a clearer picture of the central idea.

For example, The Merchant of Venice characterizes Shylock as a greedy, vengeful money-lender bent on punishing Antonio for mistreating him. He maintains this character until he receives his verdict from Portia, which condemns him, instead of his enemy, for plotting to murder another Venetian. This verdict changes him into a sorrowful, broken man.

Shylock’s actions reveal that the theme of justice, in Shylock’s eyes, is merely vengeance. When Portia enters the scene, however, she brings with her the notion of the coexistence of justice and mercy. The final events of the play reveal the error of Shylock’s vengeance and how Shakespeare believed justice should be delivered alongside mercy. 

Classroom Application

There are many things you can do to identify the central ideas in a text. Here are some tips to help you uncover the central idea in any text you’re reading:

• Keep an Eye on the Characters: Pay attention to what the characters in the story are doing and why they’re doing it. As you read, jot down notes about their actions and motives. This will help you understand them better.
• Back Up Your Ideas with Evidence: When you have a thought about a character or something that’s happening in the story, don’t just keep it in your head. Find a sentence or a scene in the book that supports your idea . This is like detective work – you’re finding clues to solve the mystery of the story’s main message.
• Look for Themes: Themes are the big ideas in a story, like friendship, courage, or justice. Sometimes your teacher might give you a heads-up about what themes to look for. Keep track of parts of the story that show these themes. This is like collecting puzzle pieces to see the whole picture.
• Put It All Together: Now for the cool part – take everything you’ve learned about the characters, their actions, and the themes, and mix it all together. This is where you start to see the bigger message the author is trying to tell us. It’s a bit like being a chef, combining ingredients to make an awesome dish.

Remember, figuring out the central idea isn’t just about spotting details – it’s about connecting them to form a bigger picture. And just like any skill, it gets easier and more fun the more you do it. So, dive into your next book and see what you can discover!

Practice Makes Perfect

In addition to the recommended activities above, Albert provides a wide range of texts for students to analyze and interpret. For emerging readers, check out our Short Readings course, which uses short passages to reinforce fundamental reading skills. Readers at all ability levels may enjoy our Leveled Readings course. It offers Lexile® leveled passages focused on a unifying essential question. This allows students to stay on the same page regardless of reading level. Learn more about the Lexile Framework here !

For authentic practice, check out our Essential Readings in Literature course. This course provides an overview of the core texts that American students often read in English class. We break each text down by skill, ensuring that students approach their reading from every angle.

With our easy-to-use interface and informative feedback, Albert.io is the perfect tool for reinforcing close reading skills and helping students develop a deeper understanding of the texts they encounter.

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Central Idea Mastery: Tips for Identifying Main Themes in Texts

Ever struggled to figure out what a piece of literature is really about?

I have. I’m a math and sciences geek, and English Lit was never my strong suit in school. But I figured out a way to get straight to the central idea.

Studies show that grasping the central idea is one of the most challenging aspects for readers, freelance writers , and in-company writers alike.

This post will take you on a journey to understand clearly what a central idea statement in literature entails, how it differs from themes or thesis statements , and why it matters so much.

Ready for an enlightening ride into the realm of literary analysis? Let’s dive in!

What is the Central Idea in Literature?

The central idea in literature is the main point or message the author wants to convey to the reader. It is often the well written central ideas, expressed through a thesis statement , which serves as the foundation for the entire work of literature.

The central idea statement should be distinct from the story’s theme itself, as it focuses more on the author’s specific argument or perspective. To identify this in literature, readers can analyze key details and keywords as a map and keep their predictions short and straightforward.

The Relationship between Central Idea and Thesis Statement

A central idea is like a map for a story or essay. It guides readers through the words and themes. 

On the other hand, a thesis statement is a claim or argument in an essay, article or research work.

This is often based on the central idea but goes further by giving an opinion about the topic. You can think of these as two good friends. Both play key roles in shaping any piece of writing, and they rely on each other to make sense.

For instance, if you write an essay arguing that reading helps improve vocabulary – your central idea might be ‘the benefits of reading,’ while your thesis statement could be ‘reading regularly improves one’s vocabulary.’

The Difference between Central Idea and Theme

The central idea and theme are two critical parts of a story. They may seem the same but tell different parts of the tale. The main topic or message in a text is the central idea .

It’s like telling what a book or essay is about.

A theme, though, dives deeper into the story. It shows us life lessons or morals that we can learn from it. 

Think of it as an undercover message hiding inside the words and scenes of a story! An easy way to spot them? Central ideas often pop up more in texts that give information.

Themes make their home primarily in stories with lots of action, conflict and drama.

How to Identify the Central Idea in Literature

Use details and keywords as a map.

Words and clues in a story can help find the main idea. Look for words that repeat . They matter a lot to the writer. Think of keywords as signposts on a map. When you use a map when lost, use these words when stuck on an idea.

Stay away from small details that only discuss one thing in the text. Focus on ideas that cover all parts of the story instead. Those tell you what is most important to know.

Keep Predictions Short and Simple

When identifying the central idea statement in literature, keeping your predictions short and simple is essential. By predicting the answer in your own words, you can narrow down the options and eliminate choices that don’t match the passage.

Keeping your predictions brief makes it easier to compare them with the given choices. If you’re having trouble understanding a passage, try summarizing paragraphs or sentences to help clarify things.

Remember, taking it slow and staying calm can improve your performance in the SAT reading and writing section. So, keep those predictions concise and straightforward!

Importance of Central Ideas in Literature

The central ideas in literature play a crucial role in your content strategy and in understanding the text and its deeper meaning, as they serve as the backbone that holds the entire work together.

The Role of Central Ideas in Understanding Literature

The central idea plays a crucial role in helping us understand literature. It acts as the primary focus or point of the text, providing a clear picture of what the author wants to convey.

By identifying and analyzing the central idea, we can better comprehend the overall message and themes of a piece of writing. The well written central idea guides readers, helping them navigate through the details and supporting evidence presented in the text.

It helps us see how all these elements connect to create a cohesive whole.

The Connection between Central Ideas and Details

The connection between central ideas and details in literature is meaningful because the details provide evidence and examples to support and strengthen the central idea. 

Details are specific pieces of information or examples that help to bring the story’s main idea to life and make it more relatable for readers.

By analyzing the central idea and details, readers can engage with the text deeper and uncover hidden meanings and themes. 

A central idea can be explicit, stated directly in the text, or implicit, requiring readers to infer and interpret what the author is trying to convey.

So, paying attention to details helps readers understand and appreciate the overall message of a work of literature.

Central Ideas Examples in Literature

Central ideas in literature can vary greatly depending on the genre and themes explored. 

For instance, classification essays may focus on a central idea related to categorization and justification, while works of English literature might delve into a central idea about societal norms or personal identity.

Additionally, environmental science literature may explore a central idea surrounding sustainability and conservation. These examples demonstrate the diverse range found across different types of literature.

Central Ideas in Classification Essays

The central idea in a classification essay is the main topic and the categories or subtopics we use to organize our thoughts . It’s like a roadmap for our essay, showing us how to structure it and what message we want to convey.

In other words, it’s the same as the thesis statement in a classification essay . 

By stating the main topic and explaining why we’re categorizing things in a certain way, we can say something meaningful about how different parts of the topic are related or how they relate to the whole subject.

So, when writing a classification essay, ensure your central idea is clear and helps guide your readers through your thoughtful categories!

Central Ideas in English Literature

Understanding the central ideas in English literature is crucial for writers. These help us grasp the main themes and messages in literary works. They cover most details and emphasize key points, allowing readers to analyze the text effectively.

When analyzing literature, it’s important to avoid focusing too much on one detail or introducing new ideas not addressed in the text. 

Central ideas play a vital role in answering exam questions like the SAT, where students identify the main idea or specific details based on a passage.

Notable Examples

“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Central Idea: The American Dream and its corruption. This novel delves deep into the idea of the American Dream—the pursuit of happiness, wealth, and social status—and the lengths people go to achieve it. Set in the Roaring Twenties, the story showcases the opulence of the time but also the moral bankruptcy and hollowness that often accompanied the pursuit of wealth and social status. The novel questions the true meaning of success and challenges the superficial values of society.

“ To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

Central Idea: Racism and the loss of innocence. Set in the American South during the 1930s, this novel tackles the deep-seated racial prejudices of the time. Through the eyes of a young girl named Scout Finch, readers witness the injustice and cruelty meted out to a Black man, Tom Robinson, who is falsely accused of raping a white woman. The story also deals with the idea of growing up and losing innocence as Scout and her brother Jem navigate the complexities of their small town’s social structure.

“The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger

Central Idea: Adolescent alienation and the challenges of growing up. The novel’s protagonist, Holden Caulfield, represents the quintessential disaffected youth. As he navigates the adult world, which he views as “phony,” he struggles with his own sense of identity, his place in the world, and the impending responsibilities of adulthood. The story is a poignant examination of the complexities of adolescence and the inevitable loss of childhood innocence.

Whether it’s contemporary or classic works, central ideas can be found throughout English literature.

Central Ideas in Environmental Science Literature

The central idea in environmental science literature is essential. It helps us understand the main topic and categories/subtopics discussed in the text. It gives us an overview of what the whole thing is about.

The central idea also helps structure the essay and conveys a message about the topic. So, if you’re writing about environmental science, ensure you have a clear main idea that divides your topic into different parts, helping readers quickly grasp the main points.

One way to find the main idea is by locating the thesis statement in your text.

Tips for Writing a Central Idea

Crafting a strong main idea requires clarity and conciseness. Use clear and specific language to express the main point of your work, ensuring that it is debatable and not just a statement of fact.

Consider the purpose of your writing and the audience you are targeting to shape your central idea effectively.

Formulation of the Central Idea

To formulate a well written central idea, you need to think carefully about the main point or message you want to convey.

When formulating the central idea, make sure it covers most of the details introduced in your text and emphasizes any important points. Avoid focusing too much on just one detail or introducing new ideas not addressed in your writing.

Also, be careful not to contradict any information from your text.

To help with formulation, summarize your text in your own words and determine the task or purpose of your writing. If you need clarification on the story’s main character or idea, revisit your summary to find the overarching theme .

Predicting the answer can also be useful as it helps narrow down choices and eliminate options that don’t align with your writing.

The Purpose of a Central Idea in Literature

The purpose of a central idea in literature is to provide a main theme or message that ties together all the different parts of a literary work. It helps readers understand and grasp the overall meaning and purpose of the text.

When writing a central idea, it’s important to consider the main theme or message, analyze key elements in the text, and think about what the author wants to convey. The central idea should cover most of the details introduced in the text and mention any points of emphasis.

However, it shouldn’t focus too much on just one detail, introduce new ideas not addressed in the text, or contradict information from the text.

Wrapping up the Central Idea

Understanding the central idea in literature is crucial for writers and readers alike. By grasping the main message of a text, we can delve deeper into its themes and analyze it with greater clarity.

Through examples and explanations, this blog has highlighted the importance of central ideas and provided tools to identify them effectively. So go forth, writers, armed with this knowledge, and create works that captivate audiences by conveying powerful central ideas!

1. What is the central idea in literature?

The central idea in literature refers to the main point or theme that the author wants to explain or convey through their story or writing.

2. How can I identify the central idea in a piece of literature?

You can identify the central idea by looking for recurring themes, key messages, and important moments that shape the text’s overall meaning.

3. Why is understanding the central idea important when reading literature?

Understanding the central idea helps you grasp the deeper meaning and purpose behind a piece of literature, allowing you to appreciate its message and connect with it more meaningfully.

4. Can multiple central ideas exist in a single piece of literature?

While some texts may have multiple themes or ideas, there is typically one primary central idea that serves as the core focus of the work.

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You can turn a subject into a central idea by focusing. Begin by reviewing what you know about your subject or by looking over notes you have made about it through listing, brainstorming, clustering, freewriting, or other prewriting activities.

With these details fresh in your mind, ask yourself:

What is my purpose in writing about this topic? What main point do I want to make about the topic?

WHAT IS MY PURPOSE?

Let's say you decide to write about high school. You might tell a story about your history class, compare two schools you attended, or argue that high schools should require foreign-language study.

If you want to compare the two high schools you attended, you can include details about their academic programs, athletic teams, students, or teachers. But you probably wouldn't argue that high schools should stay open in summer because doing so would take you outside your declared purpose.

WHAT IS MY MAIN POINT?

The next step in focusing is to decide what to say about your subject. What is the most interesting or important point you want to make about the schools you are comparing? The answer will be your main point, which ties all the details of the essay together.

Again, you turn an abstract subject into a central idea by stating a main point about that subject. If your main point is that entering a new school improved your attitude about education, your central idea might read:

Changing high schools made me a more serious student.

MAKING A POINT ABOUT A SUBJECT

In the box below, main points have been added to subjects to form working topic sentences or thesis statements.

Back to Top

CHECK YOUR WORKING CENTRAL IDEA

After writing a working central idea, check it for qualities that will make it effective as the basis of a paragraph or essay. Ask yourself:

Is my central idea expressed in a complete thought? Is it specific? Does it express an idea that is worth developing in a full-length paragraph or essay? Is it limited enough to discuss in a short piece of writing?

Never confuse a central idea with a simple subject. Central ideas are expressed in complete sentences; subjects are words or phrases. Take these subjects:

The city zoo. Professional athletes. Majoring in foreign languages.

Can you write a paragraph or essay on one of these subjects? Only if you decide on the main point you want to make about it. Try these as working central ideas:

The city zoo is in great need of repairs. Professional athletes are overpaid. Studying foreign languages leads to many career choices.

A CENTRAL IDEA IS SPECIFIC

Make your central idea specific. The key to this step is to focus your main point as precisely as you can. That will give you a clear direction to follow as you develop an essay or paragraph. Take this central idea:

Jogging isn't for everybody.

It is correct, but it leaves questions unanswered. For example, what kind of people should not jog? What ill effects might jogging cause them? Now, try this:

Jogging can be harmful to people who suffer from heart, back, or joint problems.

A CENTRAL IDEA CONTAINS A MAIN POINT THAT IS WORTH DEVELOPING

Make sure your main point is an idea-not just a fact-that is worth developing in a full-length paragraph or essay. Read these two sentences:

The War Memorial is in Ottawa. The War Memorial has been severely vandalized.

The first sentence is a statement of fact; it does not call for discussion. The second lends itself to discussion. For example, you might describe what the vandals did, explain how much repairs will cost, or discuss ways to prevent future problems.

A CENTRAL IDEA IS LIMITED

Essays that beginning college or university students write usually contain approximately five to seven paragraphs of about 50 to 100 words. Therefore, you should limit your working topic sentence or thesis, making it as specific as you can. Otherwise, you won't be able to make your point clearly and completely.

LIMIT THE DISCUSSION TO A MANAGEABLE LENGTH

Let's say you want to convince someone to stop smoking. You might limit yourself to three reasons to stop smoking: the health risks, the costs, and its effects on others.

Here's your working thesis:

Break the habit: otherwise, it will ruin your health, empty your wallet, and annoy your friends.

Your working topic sentences, which will control the three body paragraphs, could be as follows:

Smoking causes cancer, emphysema, and heart disease. You can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year by quitting. Smoking is offensive to friends and family.

LIMITING YOUR CENTRAL IDEA FURTHER

You begin a rough draft by discussing illnesses caused by smoking. However, you soon realize that you can't cover all three reasons for quitting and still keep the essay short. So you limit yourself to the issue of health risks.

Your thesis statement becomes:

Break the habit: smoking causes heart disease, emphysema, and cancer.

Your topic sentences become:

Smoking weakens the heart and impairs circulation. Smoking is a major cause of emphysema. Smoking has been linked directly to cancer of the mouth and the esophagus.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A TOPIC SENTENCE AND A THESIS

A topic sentence is the sentence that expresses the central idea of a paragraph. A thesis statement is a sentence that expresses the central idea of an essay.

It's a good idea to decide the topic sentence of a paragraph after writing the working version of an essay's thesis. A topic sentence explains one aspect or point in the thesis and, therefore, should always be more specific and limited than a thesis.

REVISE AND REFINE THE CENTRAL IDEA AS YOU WORK

You can revise a central idea whenever you need to. The working version of a topic sentence or thesis statement provides only a starting point and a sense of direction. Don't be afraid to look back to your central ideas and rewrite them often. As a matter of fact, focusing is something you should do throughout the writing process.

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Central Idea in Literature: Definition, Meaning, and Examples

Krystal N. Craiker

In literature, there are many elements that work together to make a cohesive story. At the heart of each story is the central idea.

The central idea, also called the main idea, is a brief, overall summary of what the entire story is about. Typically, we explain the central idea in one sentence.

The central idea is different from the theme and the message. It’s the backbone of a story’s plot. Let’s take a closer look at what the central idea means in literature.

Central Idea Definition: What Is It in a Story?

Central idea meaning: what does it mean, the importance of a central idea in a story, tips on using central ideas in your story, examples of the central idea of a story, conclusion on central ideas in a story.

The definition of the central idea is a statement that explains the main scenario of a story. All plot lines, supporting details, and conflicts support the central idea.

You can think of the central idea as a very brief summary of a story. In other words, if someone asks what the story is about, the central idea is what you would tell them.

Fairy tales are a great way to understand literary elements. Let’s use Goldilocks and the Three Bears as an example.

The central idea of this story is:

A girl named Goldilocks enters a house in the woods, helps herself to porridge, and breaks furniture, not knowing the house belongs to three bears.

We don’t explore every individual event of the story or even dive into the themes. We briefly summarize the plot and hint that there will be consequences to Goldilocks’ actions. The central idea doesn’t give away “spoilers” by revealing what happens in the story’s climax when the bears come home.

People often confuse the central idea with a story’s theme. These two literary elements are closely related but distinct.

The central idea addresses the main ideas of the plot. The theme, on the other hand, is the unifying element or elements weaved into a story. A literary theme is a generic truth found in many stories. Themes often have a message for readers from the author.

Examples of literary themes include courage, friendship, revenge, and power.

Central ideas are not generic. They are specific to an individual story.

Let’s return to our example of Goldilocks and the Three Bears . The theme is the effect of selfishness on others. There’s a message or moral there too: Be considerate of other people.

You can see how these differ from the central idea statement, which dealt with the story’s main character and plot.

The theme and message all come from the central idea. You can’t have a cohesive story without the central idea as a starting point.

Imagine writing a story is like building a house. When you have a clear central idea for your story, you have laid the foundation. This foundation supports every other part of the story.

The floors and walls of your story are the external conflict, internal conflict, characters, plot elements, setting, and more. The theme is like the electrical system that runs throughout the entire building.

You can’t have a sturdy house without a solid foundation. Likewise, you can’t have a strong story without a clear central idea.

In the Goldilocks story, the plot events, characters, and theme all relate back to our central idea. Imagine if the theme of Goldilocks and the Three Bears was forbidden love overcoming all. That doesn’t fit the story at all! The fable would sound very strange.

Here are a few tips on the most effective ways to use central ideas in your writing.

Write a Strong Central Idea Statement

The stronger your foundation, the sturdier your house. The same goes with a central idea.

You can get the point across with a poorly written central idea statement. In fact, a poorly written central idea is a great starting point.

But spend some time honing your central idea. A well-written central idea will explore not just the main plotline but also touch on underlying themes.

Let’s improve our Goldilocks central idea statement:

A young girl suffers the consequences of her selfish actions after breaking and entering and destroying property in a home owned by three bears.

This central idea still tells us the gist of the story and introduces the main characters, while also touching on the theme of selfishness.

Match the Theme to the Story

Like we discussed above, throwing in a theme about forbidden love to the classic Goldilocks tale won’t fit the story. The themes of a story must be relevant to the central idea.

Most novels or other long-form work have more than one theme expressed in the story. Spend some time figuring out which themes fit your central idea. Then you can plan character arcs , conflicts, or other elements to help you explore that theme.

Start Big, Narrow Down

It’s difficult to sum up an entire story in one or two brief sentences. Start with a big overview then whittle it down to find your central idea.

You can start by writing a synopsis, which is a roughly two-page plot summary. Then try to narrow that down into a paragraph by focusing on the main events and key characters.

Writing a central idea statement from a paragraph is much easier. Keep it short: one or two sentences max.

As an added bonus, you can then use your central idea as your elevator pitch to quickly introduce people to your book.

Your book is likely more complicated than a fairy tale. Let’s look at some examples of central ideas in other works.

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Two young, star-crossed lovers cause a deadly war between opposing families when they hastily marry.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

In the 1920s, Jay Gatsby has achieved great wealth through unsavory means in an attempt to impress the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan. Regardless, they are still divided by their differences in social status, rampant materialism, and Daisy’s abusive husband.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

A lonely miser named Ebenezer Scrooge is haunted by the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future to confront his life choices and learn about love and compassion.

Finding the central idea of a story will help you understand how the plot and themes work together. Discovering your own story’s central idea will guide your writing process and help you develop a cohesive story.

Do you want to know how to build a world your readers won’t forget? Download this free book now:

World-Building 101: How to Construct an Unforgettable World for your Fantasy or Sci-Fi Story!

This guide is for all the writers out there who want to construct an unforgettable world that your readers can't help but get lost in, learn how to invent species, gods, monsters and more in our immersive guide..

Be confident about grammar

Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send.

Krystal N. Craiker is the Writing Pirate, an indie romance author and blog manager at ProWritingAid. She sails the seven internet seas, breaking tropes and bending genres. She has a background in anthropology and education, which brings fresh perspectives to her romance novels. When she’s not daydreaming about her next book or article, you can find her cooking gourmet gluten-free cuisine, laughing at memes, and playing board games. Krystal lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband, child, and basset hound.

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Read Like This: Central Ideas and Supporting Details in Texts

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• Exit Ticket

A variety of strategies and text features can help improve informational text reading skills.

The central idea is the big idea or the most important message that the author is trying to convey. It is the unifying element of a story, which ties together all of the other elements of fiction used by the author to tell the story. Determining the central idea will help you to understand and analyze what you are reading. The overall central idea of a text emerges through smaller central ideas and supporting key details that are conveyed through the development of the text.

Once you have determined the overall central idea, you can use it to develop a summary, which includes smaller central ideas and supporting key details. Summarizing a text helps to communicate the most important ideas in a clear and concise manner.

> Text version of video

After you have written your summary, be sure that you can answer yes to each of the following questions. If you can, you have written a good summary:

• Does it state the overall central idea for the text?
• Does it include the most important central ideas from the different sections in the text?
• Do all of the central ideas included in the summary support the overall central idea?
• Does it include the most important key details that support one or more of the central ideas?
• Does it contain only information from the text?
• Are all the sentences written in your own words?
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Supporting Details

Information in a story that explains, defines, supports or helps one to identify the main idea and determine the theme of a text.

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Stream of consciousness

A literary technique that presents the thoughts and feelings of a character as they occur.

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6th grade reading and vocabulary (improved and expanded)

Course: 6th grade reading and vocabulary (improved and expanded)   >   unit 1, understanding central idea in texts.

• Creating objective summaries | Reading
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Understanding central idea

What vocab do i need to know for this lesson.

Rogue waves are waves that are much larger than the waves around them. For example, in 1995, the cruise ship Queen Elizabeth II was sailing through 40-foot waves when it suddenly hit a 92-foot rogue wave. These strange waves can be over 100 feet tall. On average, two large ships disappear every week, and it is believed that rogue waves are responsible for most of these shipwrecks. But how do rogue waves form? No one is certain. Many rogue waves develop where regular waves encounter large currents. Scientists believe a current’s strength can increase a wave’s power. Researchers have also suggested that rogue waves may form when waves travel a long distance and the crests of multiple waves meet. These waves then combine into a larger wave. No matter their origins, scientists agree on one thing: as climate change causes more extreme weather, we can expect an increase in the number and size of rogue waves.

• Topic: One word or phrase that describes what a text is about.
• Central idea: Sometimes called "main idea," the central idea of a text is what a piece of writing is mostly about. It's the big point or the most important thing the writer wants to tell you about the topic. It's usually written in a single sentence.
• Summary: A summary is a short description of all the important parts of a text or story. It covers not just the central idea but also the most important details that support that idea. This may be one or a few sentences long.
• Supporting details: Supporting details are pieces of information that help to explain or prove the central idea. They can be facts, examples, or descriptions that add more about what the central idea is telling us.
• Theme: The theme of a story is the big message or lesson that the story teaches us about life or human nature. It's not just what happens in the story, but what we can learn from it. You'll learn more about theme in this article and this video.

Why is it important to identify central ideas?

• It helps you understand the text better: When you know the central idea, you can see how all the other details in the text connect to it.
• It helps you remember what you've read: When you can identify the central idea, you'll be able to recall the most important information from the text later on.
• It helps you communicate what you've learned: When you can explain the central idea, you can share your knowledge with others more effectively.

How can I identify the central idea of a text?

• Pay attention to the first and last sentences: Authors often introduce the central idea in the first sentence or paragraph and then restate it in the conclusion. However, this isn’t always the case, so look for sentences that give an overview of the text or summarize the author's central point.
• Look for repeated words or ideas: If the author keeps mentioning the same idea throughout the text, it's probably the central idea.
• Ask yourself, “What is the author trying to teach me?”: After reading the text, think about the overall message or lesson the author wants you to learn. This will help you identify the central idea.
• Summarize the text in one sentence: Once you've read the entire text and considered the clues, try to write a single sentence that captures the central idea. If you can do this, you've successfully identified the central idea!
• Top tip! For texts that contain two or more paragraphs, it helps to summarize each paragraph as you read. Tracking the central idea of every paragraph is a great strategy. Consider keeping a paper notebook handy as you read, and jot down notes or make a list of the key points of each paragraph. Taken together, your notes will help you figure out the central idea of the entire text afterward. Just like sentences build the central idea of a paragraph, paragraphs build the central idea of the entire text.
• (Choice A)   Reusable shopping bags made from renewable resources help to lower the amount of greenhouse gases warming the planet. A Reusable shopping bags made from renewable resources help to lower the amount of greenhouse gases warming the planet.
• (Choice B)   The use of reusable shopping bags has become increasingly popular in recent years. B The use of reusable shopping bags has become increasingly popular in recent years.
• (Choice C)   Single-use plastic bags have a negative environmental impact, as plastic waste ends up in landfills and oceans. C Single-use plastic bags have a negative environmental impact, as plastic waste ends up in landfills and oceans.
• (Choice D)   Reusable shopping bags are an eco-friendly alternative to disposable plastic bags. D Reusable shopping bags are an eco-friendly alternative to disposable plastic bags.

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Academic Writing

• Introduction
• Planning an Essay
• Basic Essay Structure

Writing an Essay

• Writing Paragraghs
• Plagiarism This link opens in a new window

Basic academic essays have three main parts:

• introduction

• Video Explanation

Writing an Introduction

• Section  One  is a neutral sentence that will engage the reader’s interest in your essay.
• Section  Two  picks up the topic you are writing about by identifying the issues that you are going to explore.
• Section  Three  is an indication of how the question will be answered. Give a brief outline of how you will deal with each issue, and in which order.

An introduction   generally does three things. The first section is usually a  general comment  that shows the reader why the topic is important, gets their interest, and leads them into the topic. It isn’t actually part of your argument. The next section of the introduction is the  thesis statement . This is your response to the question; your final answer. It is probably the most important part of the introduction. Finally, the last section of an introduction tells the reader what they can expect in the essay body. This is where you  briefly outline your arguments .

Here is an example of the introduction to the question - Discuss how media can influence children. Use specific examples to support your view.

Writing Body Paragraphs

• The topic sentence  introduces  the topic of your paragraph.
• The sentences that follow the topic sentence will  develop and support the central idea  of your topic.
• The concluding sentence of your paragraph  restates the idea  expressed in the topic sentence.

The essay body itself is organized into paragraphs, according to your plan. Remember that each paragraph focuses on one idea, or aspect of your topic, and should contain at least 4-5 sentences so you can deal with that idea properly.

Each body paragraph has three sections. First is the  topic sentence . This lets the reader know what the paragraph is going to be about and  the main point it will make. It gives the paragraph’s point straight away. Next, come the  supporting sentences , which expand on the central idea, explaining it in more detail, exploring what it means, and of course giving the evidence and argument that back it up. This is where you use your research to support your argument. Then there is a  concluding sentence . This restates the idea in the topic sentence, to remind the reader of your main point. It also shows how that point helps answer the question.

Writing a Conclusion

• Re-read your introduction – this information will need to be restated in your conclusion emphasizing what you have proven and how you have proven it.
• Begin by  summarizing  your main arguments and restating your thesis ; e.g. "This essay has considered….."
• State your general conclusions,  explaining  why these are important.
• The final sentences should  draw together  the evidence you have presented in the body of the essay to restate your conclusion in an interesting way (use a transitional word to get you started e.g. Overall, Therefore).

The last section of an academic essay is the conclusion. The conclusion should reaffirm your answer to the question, and briefly summarize key arguments. It does not include any new points or new information.

A conclusion has three sections. First,  repeat the thesis statement . It won’t use the exact same words as in your introduction, but it will repeat the point: your overall answer to the question based on your arguments. Then set out your  general conclusions , and a short explanation of why they are important.  Finally,  draw together the question, the evidence in the essay body, and the conclusion. This way the reader knows that you have understood and answered the question. This part needs to be clear and concise.

• << Previous: Planning an Essay
• Next: Writing Paragraghs >>
• Last Updated: Oct 3, 2023 11:15 AM
• URL: https://bcsmn.libguides.com/Academic_Writing

Central Idea

Free lesson plans and resources to help your students identify topics, central ideas, and supporting details. Resources utilize short passages and focus on both stated and implied central ideas.

• ReadTheory >
• Lesson Plans >
• Central Idea >

Whole Week Overview

This week students will engage in deep dive into identifying topics, central ideas, supporting details in various short passages, as well as the difference between central ideas that are stated by the author versus implied.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.2/4.2/5.2

Determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by key details; summarize the text.

• Teacher Guide
• Daily Powerpoints with Teacher Notes
• Printable Passages, Notes, Activities, Warm Ups, and Exit Tickets
• Short Standards-Focused Assessment

Day 1 - Introduction

Activate students’ prior knowledge by asking them to come up with their best definition for “Central Idea.”

Core Instruction

Using the guided notes and handouts, define central idea and introduce the central metaphor for the week: The Central Idea Sundae

Guided Practice

As a class, identify the topic of numerous photographs.

Independent Practice

Annotate the provided passages and begin identifying topics, central ideas, and whether those ideas are stated or implied.  Exit tickets and checks for understanding are built into the Powerpoint as well.

Day 2 - Whole Class Practice

Students will practice identifying possible topics and central ideas of an image. Whole class will discuss.

Review the 3 essential ingredients of a central idea with students.

Annotate the provided passage (yesterday’s exit ticket) and a book cover as a class and begin identifying topics, central ideas, and whether those ideas are stated or implied.

Group Practice

Analyze two book covers and begin identifying topics, central ideas, and whether those ideas are stated or implied.

Students will craft short paragraphs focusing on supporting a central idea about themselves.  Exit tickets and checks for understanding are built into the Powerpoint as well.

Day 3 - Working Backwards

Students will practice identifying possible topics and central ideas from images. Whole class will discuss.

Students will learn about how to work backwards from key details to determine a central idea.

Students will read supporting details as a class and practice forming central ideas from those details.

Students will read supporting details and practice forming central ideas from those details. Students will craft their own paragraphs and break them down into supporting details and central idea. Exit tickets and checks for understanding are built into the Powerpoint as well.

Day 4 - Group Practice

Students will review all elements of the week’s lessons: topic, supporting details, central idea.

Students will craft central idea statements with multiple passages. Exit tickets and checks for understanding are built into the Powerpoint as well.

Day 5 - Assessment

The assessment.

Hand out the assessment for students and then go over the directions:

• Read the passage carefully.
• Highlight/circle  key details that communicate the central idea.
• Use the close sentence scaffold to write a central idea statement.

Students will also be asked to apply what they’ve learned to two passages.

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Lesson Plans

Bring readtheory to your school or district.