Detective Work:Uncovering the Main Idea and Supporting Details Main Idea:The main idea is the most important point or message that the author is trying to convey in a text.It is the overall topic or theme of the text.The main idea can usually be found in the beginning or end of a paragraph or article.It helps the reader understand what the text is about. Supporting details:Supporting details are pieces of information that help explain or prove the main idea.They give more information about the main idea, such as examples, facts, or descriptions.Supporting details are usually found within the text, often in the middle of paragraphs or articles.They help the reader understand and believe the main idea.Without supporting details, the main idea may be unclear or hard to understand. Test Your Understanding