Main Idea in a How-To Text

Find the main idea of a text that teaches steps.

A how-to text teaches you how to do something in steps. Its main idea is the task you will be able to do. Read: 'How to Plant a Bean. First, fill a cup with soil. Next, push a bean into the soil. Then add a little water.

Last, set the cup in a sunny window. ' The steps are details. The main idea is how to plant a bean. Notice the title says it, and every step helps reach that goal. In a how-to text, ask, 'What will I know how to do at the end? '

• 1A how-to text teaches steps.
• 2The main idea is the task you will learn.
• 3The steps are the details.