Texts with Two or More Central Ideas

Identify multiple central ideas in a text and explain how they relate.

Longer or more complex texts often develop more than one central idea. A biography might show both a scientist's discoveries and the obstacles she faced as a woman in her field. A history article might explain both the causes of a migration and its effects on the cities people moved to. When a text has two central ideas, they are usually connected: one may cause the other, contrast with it, or both may support a larger message.

Example: an original article about a marathon runner who lost her sight describes how she trains with a guide runner tethered to her wrist. It also describes how she campaigns for races to include more athletes with disabilities. Central idea one: determination and teamwork let her keep competing. Central idea two: her experience drives her to make sports more accessible for others. They connect because her personal journey leads to her advocacy.

When you identify multiple central ideas, also explain their relationship.

• 1Complex texts can develop two or more central ideas
• 2The ideas are often connected by cause, contrast, or a shared message
• 3Explain how the central ideas relate