Find the main idea
Start with the topic: who or what is this about? Then ask what the writer tells you about that topic. A useful main idea needs both parts.
Check your idea against the whole text. A true detail may cover only one sentence. A broad claim may add something the writer never said.
The repair café lends tools on Saturdays. Volunteers show visitors how to mend torn clothes and fix loose chair legs. People leave with repaired belongings and a method they can use again.
A worked example
What is the main idea?
The repair café helps people repair belongings and learn how to do it themselves.
The café offers repairs and teaches useful skills. Lending tools on Saturdays is only one detail.
The repair café lends tools on Saturdays. Volunteers show visitors how to mend torn clothes and fix loose chair legs. People leave with repaired belongings and a method they can use again.
Your turn
Read this short text, then answer the question below.
A school opened its kitchen for evening classes. Neighbors learned to cook inexpensive meals and shared recipes from home. By the end of the month, several strangers were planning meals together.
Try it
What is the main idea?
- The school kitchen opens in the evening.
- Cooking classes helped neighbors learn skills and get to know each other.
Show the answer
Cooking classes helped neighbors learn skills and get to know each other.
The neighbors learned to cook and began planning meals together.
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Practice Reading comprehension