Want Email Updates?
 

BECOME A MEMBER!

Become a Member of Ereading Worksheets

Main Idea Worksheets

Are you looking for main idea worksheets and resources? This page features a collection of high-quality worksheets and a PowerPoint lesson! Many students have difficulties identifying main ideas in nonfiction texts. I hope that these resources will help.

Finding the Main Idea
The reader must COMPREHEND the text AND also MAKE CONNECTIONS within the content to FIND OVERARCHING IDEAS. The reader must also RECOGNIZE and DISREGARD NONESSENTIAL INFORMATION.

Identifying main ideas may come simply and naturally to good readers. But it is actually a two or three step process. Struggling readers may trip up on any one of those steps. Here are some practice activities. Students can try to identify the main idea in a variety of texts with these main idea worksheets.

Main Idea Lesson 1
Here is an animated PowerPoint lesson on main idea. The slideshow explains main idea and how to identify it in a text. There is also a practice activity at the end of the lesson with five practice problems.
This is a preview image of Main Idea Lesson 1. Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.
Main Idea Worksheet 1
Here is a double-sided main idea worksheet. Students read seven original nonfiction passages and summarize the main idea of each passage. Also, students must think of a title for each passage that relates to the main idea of the text. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 6-10.
This is a preview image of Main Idea Worksheet 1. Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.
Main Idea Worksheet 2
Here is another double-sided main idea worksheet. This worksheet features six more original nonfiction passages for your students to analyze. Students read the passages, disregard nonessential information, express the main idea, and think of a title for each passage related to the main idea. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 6-10.
This is a preview image of Main Idea Worksheet 2. Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.
Main Idea Worksheet 3
Here is yet another double-sided main idea worksheet. This one is themed around robots and robotic technologies. Students practice identifying main ideas and coming up with appropriate titles for each passage. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 6-10
This is a preview image of Main Idea Worksheet 3. Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.
Main Idea Worksheet 4
Here is one more double-sided main idea worksheet. Students read seven passages about money and systems of exchange. They summarize each paragraph, state the main idea, and think of an appropriate title for the passage. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 5-9
This is a preview image of Main Idea Worksheet 4. Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.
Main Idea Worksheet 5
Here's another great activity to help students master main idea. Learn about some of the greatest scientists in human history while reviewing main idea. Read the passages, identify the main idea, and create appropriate titles for each passage. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 7-11.
This is a preview image of Main Idea Worksheet 5. Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.
Main Idea & Text Structure Valentine's Day Worksheet
Your students will LOVE working through these six passages, expressing the main idea of each, titling them, and visually representing the text using graphic organizers. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 7-11.
This is a preview image of Main Idea & Text Structure Valentine's Day Worksheet. Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.

Main Idea
Common Core State Standards

Main Idea Anchor Standard
R.2 - Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.

RL/RI.K.2 - With prompting and support, identify the main topic and retell key details of a text.
RL/RI.1.2 - Identify the main topic and retell key details of a text.
RL/RI.2.2 - Identify the main topic of a multiparagraph text as well as the focus of specific paragraphs within the text.
RL/RI.3.2 - Determine the main idea of a text; recount the key details and explain how they support the main idea.
RL/RI.4.2 - Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text.
RL/RI.5.2 - Determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by key details; summarize the text.
RL/RI.6.2 - Analyze how a particular sentence, paragraph, chapter, or section fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the ideas.
RL/RI.7.2 - Analyze the structure an author uses to organize a text, including how the major sections contribute to the whole and to the development of the ideas.
RL/RI.8.2 - Analyze in detail the structure of a specific paragraph in a text, including the role of particular sentences in developing and refining a key concept.
RL/RI.9-10.2 - Analyze in detail how an authorā€™s ideas or claims are developed and refined by particular sentences, paragraphs, or larger portions of a text (e.g., a section or chapter).
RL/RI.11-12.2 - Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of the structure an author uses in his or her exposition or argument, including whether the structure makes points clear, convincing, and engaging.
Click to VIEW Grade Level Standards for R.2
Still looking for something?
Search here.



Leave a comment

150 Comments

  1. Ben

     /  January 14, 2021

    Thank you so much for your helpful learning materials.

    Reply
  2. KANYAVEE

     /  November 28, 2020

    I love this website so much. so useful hereeee

    Reply
  3. Chrisatine

     /  October 3, 2020

    Wow! I love this information on the website are very helpful. It’s about how to write the main idea, reading and etc it’s useful. Thanks for helping me with this information.

    Reply
  4. Kimberly

     /  September 30, 2020

    Thnak you! Thank you! Thank you!!!

    Reply
  5. babysunshine

     /  September 3, 2020

    i like this story .

    Reply
  6. Arceli

     /  August 3, 2020

    Very useful website! Thank you so much!

    Reply
  7. jazmin

     /  July 23, 2020

    I like this story

    Reply
  8. Rollins

     /  May 14, 2020

    Very good information! Thanks

    Reply
  9. Emma

     /  May 6, 2020

    I use this a lot with International students who are preparing to enter university – it’s so helpful and I really appreciate all the time and effort that has gone into this.

    Reply
  10. jaziah chavis

     /  April 27, 2020

    i love this sight beause it can help us with our speech and talk and stuff

    Reply
  11. Will Mills

     /  April 14, 2020

    Who ever would have thought we’d all be home, homeschooling during this crisis of COVID 19. Being a MS 15 yr science teacher I have an extra class of remedial ELA for the first time. I’ve used this site before, but now it’s at 90% with Google Classroom. Thank you Mr. Morton for all you have done for the education community! Stay safe to all.

    Reply
  12. Erica Smith

     /  April 3, 2020

    It has been so wonderful to have this resource with our big shift to distance learning. Thank you for making your creations so clear and free to the public. My families and I thank you!

    Reply
  13. Debra Robinson Frye

     /  February 26, 2020

    We LOVE this site. We have 6th – 12th grades at a behavioral management school and your worksheets are so helpful because of not only the various grades but also because of the various learning abilities we work with. Thank you.

    Reply
  14. Sharon

     /  November 22, 2019

    Thank you so much for sharing what looks like years of excellent hard work creating teacher made materials and organizing everything. I have always shared my materials with my fellow co-workers. You have gone above and beyond.
    Thank you Thank you………….

    Reply
  15. Ean

     /  October 15, 2019

    this is good

    Reply
  16. Kaboy

     /  June 7, 2019

    Thank you so much your website help e to pass exam on summarize and paragraph I appreciate you

    Reply
  17. Kavita

     /  February 10, 2019

    Thank you so very much for your selfless contributions. It has certainly helped my students.

    Reply
  18. Grace

     /  November 26, 2018

    Thank you for for worksheet, they are very good guide for me.

    Reply
  19. carla reed

     /  November 7, 2018

    Thank you so much for sharing.The articles you publish are fascinating, rich and well structured. I wish You continue.

    Reply
  20. Leslie Russell

     /  October 22, 2018

    I hardly have the right words to thank you for these worksheets. They have saved me so much time, and they are absolutely perfect for my ESL students. The Power Points are excellent as well and provide a variety of instruction for both students and teacher. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

    Reply
    • The words that you’ve chosen are warm and appreciated. Thank you for using my website and taking the time to comment.

      Reply
  21. Nekhat

     /  October 9, 2018

    OMG. This website is the best it help me so much with my homework a lot thank you so much!
    I can’t believe I got A+ on my test I know this web help me to learn a lot šŸ™‚ šŸ™‚ šŸ™‚ šŸ™‚
    THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU šŸ™‚

    Reply
  22. Nancy

     /  September 30, 2018

    Every year I look for new resources that can help my ESL students achieve reading skills, and every year I find every thing right here!
    Thank You So much!

    Reply
  23. Alicia M DeVita

     /  July 19, 2018

    The Power Points and worksheets you have provided are amazing! Thank you so very much.

    Reply
  24. hussien Abdelmalik

     /  November 26, 2017

    this site is helpful and fun i use it everyday more than playing games

    Reply
  25. RONALD

     /  June 19, 2017

    Excellent worksheets for teachers & students

    Reply
  26. suzana

     /  March 14, 2017

    I simply love these materials! My students have learned a lot with them. Thanks a million for this valuable work!!suzana

    Reply
  27. Chris

     /  March 14, 2017

    this is the best… only this website can help me with this so special thanks to you and your website its the BEST thx for creating and again this is very helpful. šŸ˜€ šŸ˜‰

    Reply
  28. Christina

     /  February 17, 2017

    Thank you for making an educator’s life a little easier I love going to your website because it truly is a great resource to pull from and it shows you put your time into thinking about each worksheet. I also like that you provide a variety of different reading skills that are required for us to teach. The more practice kids have the better!

    Reply
  29. Mu Tingting

     /  December 3, 2016

    So great. This site helps me a lot. Thank you!!!

    Reply
  30. Soha Ismail Mohamed Zidan

     /  November 10, 2016

    This is a super webpage. I appreciate all the effort that has been put in compiling all this excellent work.

    Reply
  31. alsan divinagracia

     /  August 15, 2016

    Very useful instructional materials. Thanks for making my work lighter, and more interesting.

    Reply
  32. Angel Wong

     /  April 8, 2016

    Fantastic material!!!!

    Comprehensive, concise and practical.

    It reflects you are experienced educators in comparison to the many theoretical one can meet today.

    Reply
  33. Patty

     /  April 8, 2016

    Thank you for providing these resources!

    Reply
  34. Artem

     /  February 25, 2016

    Many thanks from the English program at NAIT, Edmonton, Canada!

    Reply
  35. Mrs. Harris

     /  February 21, 2016

    I teach middle school English Alternative Ed. Thank you so much for the extensive resources available on your site. I find there are plenty of resources for science and math teachers, but somehow English teachers are left out. Your site saves me HOURS of time. Please continue to add more!

    Reply
  36. rubab fatima

     /  January 23, 2016

    its excellent

    Reply
  37. Beverly

     /  January 22, 2016

    Thanks a lot, this website is very helpful for my students who have learning disabilities as it provides worksheets that are grade level and also to those performing below their grade level.

    Reply
  38. Swamy

     /  December 30, 2015

    Wow! I really like this website so much that immediately after visiting I forwarded this website link to all my 30-40 friends!
    We find many good free websites for maths but for english no….
    For English grammar, I was searching for many days and lastly I found this amazing site that too free.
    Many many thanks to you Mr.Morton.

    Reply
  39. mohammed

     /  November 29, 2015

    it is good information.

    Reply
  40. Kat

     /  October 26, 2015

    Thank you bunches for making an awesome website full of great reading skills activities! As a new Reading teacher, this has saved me a lot of time. This will give my Reading students the practice they need.

    Reply
  41. Jill Alvarado

     /  September 28, 2015

    I teach GED classes and these worksheets are so helpful in teaching main idea and supporting details. Any chance that you would make more? I love that they are rigorous and appropriate for adult learners. (i.e. not adorned with kiddo art.)

    Reply
    • Developing this site is one of my lifelong missions. Surely I will add more of these activities and ones like these, so long as I am blessed with the ability to do so. Thank you for visiting and providing feedback. Best wishes!

      Reply
      • Love the site. It is so user friendly. The resources really are free. What a pleasant surprise to know that no one is going to try to offer me resources and then block me from using them. Thank you!

        Reply
  42. Margie Domingo

     /  September 17, 2015

    I feel as though I have found a treasure. I teach Adult ESL in Commerce City, CO and my students have such a need to read small passages like these to gain in their reading skills.

    Reply
  43. Nasser

     /  May 22, 2015

    Mr. Morton

    Thanks for providing such useful worksheets. I a teacher in Afghanistan and teaching summary writing in English.

    Reply
  44. Christy

     /  March 8, 2015

    Since my district threw away our reading currciculum, I have been struggling to find common core teaching materials. Your website has been an amazing resource. I cannot express how grateful I am for your work. Thank you!!

    Reply
  45. Meli

     /  February 4, 2015

    Mr. Morton,
    Is main idea and central idea the same thing? The concept of central idea has caused me much confusion. Thank you in advance!

    Reply
  46. Mr. Ahmed

     /  November 16, 2014

    Thank you very much Mr.Morton very helpful site to improve any age of students I hope the best of this site

    Reply
  47. Rosalie

     /  November 3, 2014

    Love this site. Wish there was more for 5th grade

    Reply
  48. Maria Johnson

     /  October 12, 2014

    This website has been a Blessing. I work in a large urban city and the district did not give adequate resources to support the Common Core Curriculum. I have been using these resources on a weekly basis. I am so grateful to you for creating this site.
    God Bless You!

    Reply
  49. Teisa

     /  October 5, 2014

    I love this website please make more (I love love love love love this website. your very sepical

    Reply
  50. Dee

     /  September 29, 2014

    Love your work. Been using the lessons and worksheets to prepare my daughter for common core. I was looking for lessons and worksheets on your website that relate to this common core objective. Any ideas?

    CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.8
    Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims.

    Reply

Leave a Reply to hussien Abdelmalik Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

By Using This Website You Agree to the Terms of Use and are aware of our privacy policy.
Subscribe Now