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How to Find the Main Idea: Easy Steps and Fun Exercises!

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Katie Whitson

4/21/2023

English

Critical Reading Cornell Notes

137

Apr 21, 2023

3 pages

How to Find the Main Idea: Easy Steps and Fun Exercises!

The Simple View of Reading is a foundational concept in... Show more

Critical Reading Cornell Notes
*
There are three academic purposes for reading.
How does
1) Reading for Understanding.
identifying the main

Reading for Understanding Equation

This page delves deeper into the concept of reading for understanding, providing strategies for identifying main ideas and introducing a formula for summarizing.

Definition: Summary = MAIN IDEA + SUPPORTING DETAILS

This equation illustrates how to demonstrate understanding of a text. A summary is always shorter than the original text and always includes the main idea.

The page offers three top strategies for finding main ideas when they are not explicitly stated:

  1. Consider the title of the piece and why it was chosen
  2. Identify the most important idea in the text
  3. Observe what the author focuses on and where they spend the most time

Highlight: If struggling to understand the main idea, it's important to seek help from the teacher, Mrs. McMahan in this case.

The page emphasizes that asking questions can help find the main idea in various types of texts, from lab reports to novels and postcards. This skill is particularly valuable for college students when analyzing projects and articles.

Example: The reading for understanding equation can be a helpful tool when struggling to write a summary, applicable to various academic and professional contexts.

Critical Reading Cornell Notes
*
There are three academic purposes for reading.
How does
1) Reading for Understanding.
identifying the main

Purposes for Writing

This page outlines the four major purposes for writing, providing examples for each:

  1. Expository/Informational: To give information Example: Magazine articles
  2. Persuasive/Rhetoric/Argument: To change minds or persuade Example: Commercials, editorials, letters to the editor
  3. Narrative: To tell a story Example: Novels fictionisalwaysastoryfiction is always a story
  4. Descriptive/Entertainment: To describe or entertain Example: Postcards, brochures

Highlight: Understanding these purposes helps readers identify the author's intent and approach the text with appropriate strategies.

This classification of writing purposes provides a framework for analyzing and creating various types of texts, enhancing both reading comprehension and writing skills.

Critical Reading Cornell Notes
*
There are three academic purposes for reading.
How does
1) Reading for Understanding.
identifying the main

Critical Reading Cornell Notes

This page introduces the three academic purposes for reading: understanding, style, and interpretation. It emphasizes the importance of identifying the main idea to demonstrate comprehension and introduces the concept of summarizing supporting details.

Definition: Reading for Understanding Purpose #1 focuses on what the text is literally saying, such as the plot in a novel.

To demonstrate understanding, readers must:

  1. Identify the main idea
  2. Summarize supporting/significant details

Vocabulary: Main Idea - the most important idea in the text, which can be stated or inferred.

Vocabulary: Supporting/Significant Details - important parts of a text that help describe or explain the main idea and reinforce it.

The page stresses the vital role of knowing the main idea when reading, as it helps in finding supporting details and progressing to reading for style and interpretation.

Example: In biology, identifying supporting details in an article can help understand what to look for and improve overall comprehension.

Highlight: The main idea serves as a tool to understand the text better and is crucial for effective reading across various subjects.



We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

You have the choice, we offer a 100% secure payment via PayPal or an Amazon gift card. There is no limit to how much you can earn.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

 

English

137

Apr 21, 2023

3 pages

How to Find the Main Idea: Easy Steps and Fun Exercises!

The Simple View of Reading is a foundational concept in literacy education that explains reading comprehension as the product of decoding and language comprehension. This model, introduced by Gough and Tunmer in 1986, provides a clear framework for understanding... Show more

Critical Reading Cornell Notes
*
There are three academic purposes for reading.
How does
1) Reading for Understanding.
identifying the main

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Reading for Understanding Equation

This page delves deeper into the concept of reading for understanding, providing strategies for identifying main ideas and introducing a formula for summarizing.

Definition: Summary = MAIN IDEA + SUPPORTING DETAILS

This equation illustrates how to demonstrate understanding of a text. A summary is always shorter than the original text and always includes the main idea.

The page offers three top strategies for finding main ideas when they are not explicitly stated:

  1. Consider the title of the piece and why it was chosen
  2. Identify the most important idea in the text
  3. Observe what the author focuses on and where they spend the most time

Highlight: If struggling to understand the main idea, it's important to seek help from the teacher, Mrs. McMahan in this case.

The page emphasizes that asking questions can help find the main idea in various types of texts, from lab reports to novels and postcards. This skill is particularly valuable for college students when analyzing projects and articles.

Example: The reading for understanding equation can be a helpful tool when struggling to write a summary, applicable to various academic and professional contexts.

Critical Reading Cornell Notes
*
There are three academic purposes for reading.
How does
1) Reading for Understanding.
identifying the main

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Purposes for Writing

This page outlines the four major purposes for writing, providing examples for each:

  1. Expository/Informational: To give information Example: Magazine articles
  2. Persuasive/Rhetoric/Argument: To change minds or persuade Example: Commercials, editorials, letters to the editor
  3. Narrative: To tell a story Example: Novels fictionisalwaysastoryfiction is always a story
  4. Descriptive/Entertainment: To describe or entertain Example: Postcards, brochures

Highlight: Understanding these purposes helps readers identify the author's intent and approach the text with appropriate strategies.

This classification of writing purposes provides a framework for analyzing and creating various types of texts, enhancing both reading comprehension and writing skills.

Critical Reading Cornell Notes
*
There are three academic purposes for reading.
How does
1) Reading for Understanding.
identifying the main

Critical Reading Cornell Notes

This page introduces the three academic purposes for reading: understanding, style, and interpretation. It emphasizes the importance of identifying the main idea to demonstrate comprehension and introduces the concept of summarizing supporting details.

Definition: Reading for Understanding Purpose #1 focuses on what the text is literally saying, such as the plot in a novel.

To demonstrate understanding, readers must:

  1. Identify the main idea
  2. Summarize supporting/significant details

Vocabulary: Main Idea - the most important idea in the text, which can be stated or inferred.

Vocabulary: Supporting/Significant Details - important parts of a text that help describe or explain the main idea and reinforce it.

The page stresses the vital role of knowing the main idea when reading, as it helps in finding supporting details and progressing to reading for style and interpretation.

Example: In biology, identifying supporting details in an article can help understand what to look for and improve overall comprehension.

Highlight: The main idea serves as a tool to understand the text better and is crucial for effective reading across various subjects.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

You have the choice, we offer a 100% secure payment via PayPal or an Amazon gift card. There is no limit to how much you can earn.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user