STAAR EOC Reading
State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness End-of-Course Reading exam.
Main Idea and Supporting Details
Finding the Main Idea
The main idea is the central point or message that the author wants to communicate. All the other details in the text support or build upon this idea.
How to Find the Main Idea
- Look for repeated themes or statements.
- Summarize each paragraph in your own words.
- Ask: What is this text mostly about?
Supporting Details
Supporting details are facts, examples, or descriptions that explain or reinforce the main idea. They can be statistics, anecdotes, or specific information.
Tips for Identifying Main Idea and Details
- Check the first and last sentences of paragraphs.
- Notice words like “most importantly” or “in summary.”
- Highlight examples or evidence that relate back to the main idea.
Real-World Application
Understanding main ideas and details helps you summarize articles, remember key information, and communicate effectively in daily life.
Examples
An article about healthy eating mainly discusses why fruits and vegetables are important, with details about vitamins and benefits.
A story centers on friendship, with scenes showing friends helping each other.
In a Nutshell
The main idea is the big message; supporting details help explain it.