CENTRAL IDEA: The chief point an author is making about a topic; the author’s primary message. Sometimes the central idea is stated, but sometimes it must be inferred. ANALYZE: Study closely; break down into key parts DEVELOPMENT: The building of an idea/ideas throughout a text. RELATIONSHIP:
• A central idea is developed by supporting details (specific statements that explain and “prove” the central idea). • Supporting Details are found in strategies such as examples, statistics, descriptions, causes & effects, quotes, analogies, stories....(i.e. DRAPES) • There are multiple supporting details for one central idea.
Central Idea 1.Use basic text features: One of the central ideas of a text will be conveyed in the HEADING of the passage. Other central ideas will be conveyed in the SUBHEADINGS. Although some subheadings convey supporting details, so be careful! 2.Determine the Text Structure: Transition words show
•The Central Idea of an informative passage is what a passage is all about--stated in a broad sentence. In past years, you may have called this the “Main Idea.” •Central Ideas are the most ESSENTIAL ideas to help you understand an informative text.
CENTRAL IDEA: The chief point an author is making about a topic; the author's primary message. Sometimes the central idea is stated, but sometimes it must be inferred. DEVELOPMENT: The building of an idea/ideas throughout a text.
When the author quotes an expert or witness to prove his point further. When the author uses a certain statistic about the article to further show his bias. When the author uses a certain tone to show emphasis on a certain part of the text to further show how he feels on a certain subject.
A central idea is developed by supporting details (specific statements that explain and “prove” the central idea). There are multiple supporting details for one central idea. Ask yourself, “What does this detail show?” THINK: Which answer choice expresses specific statements that PROVE the central idea listed?
One common strategy writers use to develop ideas in their writing is through elaboration, which is the process of progressively going into more detail sentence by sentence throughout the text. Another way authors develop ideas is through the use of examples, particularly when they are dealing with abstract concepts.