ISEE Primary 4 Reading

ISEE Primary 4 Reading focuses on developing reading comprehension skills through engaging texts and questions tailored for fourth graders.

Finding the Main IdeaUnderstanding DetailsMaking InferencesUnderstanding Vocabulary in Context
Identifying Author’s PurposeComparing and ContrastingUnderstanding Cause and EffectDrawing Conclusions
Reading for FunUsing Reading Skills in Everyday LifeTalking About What You Read
Skimming and ScanningAnswering Multiple-Choice QuestionsFinding Proof in the Text
Finding the Main Ide...Understanding Detail...Making InferencesUnderstanding Vocabu...Identifying Author’s...Comparing and Contra...Understanding Cause ...Drawing ConclusionsReading for FunUsing Reading Skills...Talking About What Y...Skimming and Scannin...Answering Multiple-C...Finding Proof in the...
Basic Concepts

Finding the Main Idea

What is the Main Idea?

The main idea is what a story or passage is mostly about. It's like the big picture or the heart of what you’re reading. Every story has lots of details, but the main idea ties everything together.

How to Find the Main Idea

  • Look at the title and headings.
  • Read the first and last sentences of each paragraph.
  • Ask yourself, "What is this story mostly about?"

Why It Matters

Knowing the main idea helps you remember and understand what you read. It’s the first step in becoming a reading superstar!

Real-World Connection

When you watch a movie and tell your friend what it's about, you’re sharing the main idea. The same trick works with books and articles.

Examples

  • After reading a story about a girl rescuing a kitten, you decide the main idea is 'Helping others is important.'

  • In a passage about recycling, you realize the main idea is 'Recycling helps protect our planet.'

In a Nutshell

The main idea is the central message of a passage.

Key Terms

Main Idea
The most important point the author wants you to remember.
Detail
A small piece of information that supports the main idea.
Next
Understanding Details