Titles Are Clues to the Main Idea

Use the title to predict what a text is mostly about.

The title is the name of a book or article. Authors often choose a title that hints at the main idea. Before you read, look at the title and guess what the text will mostly be about. Suppose the title is 'How Seeds Travel.

' You can guess the main idea will be about the ways seeds move from place to place. Then, as you read about seeds that float, stick to fur, or blow in the wind, check your guess. Was the title a good clue? Usually it is, so never skip the title.

• 1A title often hints at the main idea.
• 2Use the title to guess before reading.
• 3Check your guess as you read.