Identifying Main Topic

Basics on the topic Identifying Main Topic
What is main topic, and how can you identify it in a text? In this video we learn about how to identify the main topic of an informational text using the title, pictures, and sentences in the text. Take a look to learn more!
Want more practice identifying main topic? Check out the interactive exercises and worksheets that follow this video!
Transcript Identifying Main Topic
: "Otis, have you heard of something called seasons before?" : "Of course, most creatures I know have, why?" : "Oh, no reason! I HAVE to research this to know also!" Let's help Pearl learn about main topic while she researches! Have you ever had a hard time remembering something important? Finding the main topic can help with that! The main topic is what a text or story is MOSTLY about. While a text can have different ideas, main topic is the bigger topic. We can find the main topic in fiction AND nonfiction texts. It's supported by key details, or, sentences that give reasons for the topic. Now that we've learned about main topic, let's see what Pearl has discovered! Pearl has found some information about the season fall! But how can she find the main topic of the text? When finding the main topic of a text... First, look at the title (...) this gives a BIG clue as to what the text is about. The title here is 'all about fall.' Then, look at the pictures (...) they can ALSO give clues! The one here shows a pile of leaves on the ground. Finally, re-read the FIRST and LAST sentences to find the main topic. What do you think the main topic of this text is? The main topic of this text is the season fall! : "Wow, fall sounds great, but what's this about summer?" It looks like Pearl has found the next season to learn about. Remember, when trying to find the main topic, start by reading the title. What is the title here? (...) 'summer days'. Then, look at the pictures (...) they can give us more information. Here we see a picture of a pool on a sunny day. Finally, re-read the FIRST and LAST sentences to find the main topic. What do you think the main topic of this text is? The main topic of this text is the season summer! : "Summer might be too hot for me, ooh! What about winter?" Let's help Pearl one last time to find the main topic of this text. Remember to first look at the title... and then the pictures to get clues. Finally, re-read the FIRST and LAST sentences to find the main topic. What do you think the main topic of this text is? The main topic of this text is information about the season winter! Before we see which season is Pearl's favorite, let's review. Today we learned about main topic, a tool that can help us when retelling about something. When finding the main topic of a text... first, look at the title. Then, look at the pictures. Finally, re-read the first and last sentences to find the main topic. Now, let's see what Pearl's favorite season is! : [shivering and cold "I think I like the season in the water the best!"

Identifying Main Topic

Identifying Main Topic — Let's Practice!

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Key Details that Support the Main Idea

Finding the Main Idea of an Informational Text Using Key Details

Finding the Main Idea of an Informational Text using Key Details— Let’s Practice!