Central idea in a story or text

Understand the overall message or purpose of the text.

Identifying the topic sentence, looking for repeated words, summarizing in your own words, and identifying the central theme.

Specific pieces of information that provide evidence or examples to support the main idea or thesis.

Supporting details provide evidence, examples, and explanations that help to clarify and strengthen the main idea.

the topic being discussed, analyzed, or described

Subject/topic is specific; main idea is broader, encompassing the overall message.