Question

as you read, do you wonder what the author is trying to tell you in the text? try to figure out the central idea, or the most important point (or points) an author is trying to make about the topic. sometimes a central idea may be stated directly, but more often it is implied. then you must figure it out by analyzing the supporting details. these facts, examples, reasons, and other pieces of information are meant to explain and expand on the central idea. examine the cartoon below. think about the central idea and its supporting details. what central idea is shown? circle parts of the picture and caption that support the central idea. study the web below that shows the central idea of the picture and details that support it. central idea paleontologists help us learn about dinosaurs and our past. supporting detail the dinosaur bones show the shapes of creatures from the past. supporting detail studying fossils reveals clues about creatures that lived in the past. as a good reader, make sure you figure out how the supporting details work together to develop the central idea in the text. this will help you understand each important point the author wants to make.

Explanation:

The central idea is that paleontologists help us learn about dinosaurs and our past. The supporting details, such as dinosaur bones showing past - creature shapes and fossils revealing clues about past creatures, expand on this central idea.

Answer:

Central Idea: Paleontologists help us learn about dinosaurs and our past.
Supporting Detail 1: The dinosaur bones show the shapes of creatures from the past.
Supporting Detail 2: Studying fossils reveals clues about creatures that lived in the past.