First, ask yourself: What is this article mostly about? Try to answer in one or two words: That’s the topic. What does the author want you to know about the topic?

Looking at the details in a story can help you figure out what the main idea is. Think about it as an ice cream cone: The details are all the flavors that make up the ice cream cone, or main idea! Ask yourself: What do the details mainly describe?

Other features in an article can help you figure out what its main idea is. For example, what is the title of the article? What does the opening image or photo show? Are there other pictures, maps, or graphs? Use these text features as clues!

Now you’re ready to practice this skill. Read any Storyworks story. Then think about what the article is mostly about, what the details tell, and which text features are included. What main idea do you think the author wants you to know about the topic?