Main Idea

1. Skim the title and any heading in the reading selection.

2. Then read the opening paragraph or few paragraphs.

3. In the opening, look for a sentence that seems to direct the reading.

4. Then, as you continue to read, see if this statement makes sense as the main idea. Each new paragraph should explain or support it.

5. If your thinking changes, identify what you now consider to be the main idea.