Writing a Precise Central Idea Statement

Turn your understanding of a text into a clear, specific, one-sentence central idea.

A good central idea statement is one complete sentence that names the topic and the author's specific point about it. It should be neither a fragment nor a list of details. Use this frame: 'In [text], the author shows that [topic] [specific point]. ' Watch the upgrade from weak to strong for an original article about a seventh-grade class that designed a water filter for a village. Weak: 'Water. ' (just a topic) Weak: 'Students built a filter with sand and charcoal and tested it.

' (one detail) Weak: 'Science is important. ' (too broad) Strong: 'The article shows that young students can use engineering to solve a real community problem. ' The strong version captures the whole article and could not describe just any text. Revise your statement by asking: Does it cover the whole text? Is it specific to this text? Is it a full sentence without my opinion? If all three answers are yes, your statement is ready.

• 1One complete sentence: topic + specific point
• 2Not a fragment, a single detail, or an overly broad claim
• 3Check: covers the whole text, specific, no opinion