Main Idea in Cause-and-Effect and Problem-Solution Texts

Structure clues help you state main ideas about why things happen or how problems are solved.

Two more text structures shape main ideas. In cause and effect, an author explains why something happens. Signal words include because, so, as a result, and therefore. The main idea links the cause to its effects. In problem and solution, an author describes a problem and one or more ways to fix it. Signal words include problem, solution, solve, and one answer is.

The main idea names the problem and the solution. Read: 'Our school's hallway was crowded and noisy between classes, and students were often late. The student council suggested one-way hallways and a two-minute music signal. Now students get to class faster. ' Structure: problem and solution. Main idea: 'The student council solved hallway crowding with one-way halls and a music signal.

' Naming the structure first makes the main idea easier to state.

• 1Cause-and-effect main ideas link causes to effects.
• 2Problem-solution main ideas name both parts.
• 3Identify the structure first, then state the main idea.