CLASS 7 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE

Reading texts: main idea, details and evidence (English, class 7)

How it works

To understand English reading texts, it is important to recognize the main idea (‹main idea›) as well as important details and evidence (‹supporting details›/‹evidence›). The main idea is the central topic or the most important information in a text, while details provide additional information that supports the main idea. Example: In the text ‹Anna loves basketball because it is fun and she plays with her friends.›, the main idea is that Anna loves basketball. The details are that it is fun and that she plays with friends. To find the main idea, pay attention to repeated or summarizing sentences. Details are often recognized by examples or explanations.

Note
Read the text carefully. Determine what it is mainly about (main idea) and which information supports this statement (details/evidence). The main idea is usually more general; details are more specific.

An example

What is the main idea of the text: ‹Tom enjoys reading science fiction books because they take him to new worlds. He reads every evening before bed.›?

The main idea is that Tom likes to read science fiction books. The details are that they take him to new worlds and that he reads every evening.

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Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: English. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.