Main Idea Detective Anchor Chart
Name: ___________________________________
Date: ________________
Main Idea Detective
Reference Guide for Informational Text
The Case File
What it IS:
The BIGGEST point the author wants you to understand. It is one sentence that tells what the text is mostly about.
What it IS NOT:
- • Just one tiny detail or fact from the text.
- • The title of the book or article.
- • Something you already knew that wasn't written.
Solve the Mystery
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1
Scan the titles, photos, and captions for clues.
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2
Read the first and last sentences of each paragraph.
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3
Look for repeating words or ideas that keep showing up.
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4
Ask: "What is the one big thing the author wants me to know?"
Watch for Traps!
Trap #1: The Tiny Detail
It's a fact from the text, but it's too small to be the big point.
Trap #2: The Giant Umbrella
It's too broad and covers more than what is in the text.
Trap #3: The Sneaky Liar
It sounds right, but it wasn't actually written in the text!
Check Your Alibi
"Does every key detail fit under my Main Idea?"
Detective Self-Check:
Is it a complete sentence?
Does it cover the WHOLE passage?
Can I prove it with 3 details?
Under the Umbrella
How the Supporting Details prove the Main Idea
Main Idea
The Point of the Whole Text
Key Detail 1 Evidence
Key Detail 2 Evidence
Key Detail 3 Evidence
The Investigation Foundation
Case Closed: Use these clues to find the main idea every time!