9. Engaging in Reading: Most/Least Important Idea(s) and Information

Distinguishing between the most important details and the least important details will help you focus your learning. 

Determining the main idea(s) in a text is not always a clear, straightforward process. Some or all of the following strategies can help you:

  • Activate prior knowledge to help you connect to the information in the text.
  • Note the type of text and its typical audience and purpose (e.g., to persuade, to explain, to illustrate).
  • Set a clear purpose for the text so that students have common ground for finding the main idea.

Main ideas are often found in first sentences or last sentences in a paragraph, or first and last paragraphs in a chapter.

You may wish to create a T Chart of the details you read in a text. Under one arm of the T, list the most important details; under the other arm, list the less important details. Alternatively, you can highlight the details in different colours to distinguish between them. Whenever possible, share your findings with a classmate. You may not have drawn the same conclusions, but discussing them will enhance your understanding.