The main idea of a text is the most important point the author wants to communicate. It tells what the text is mostly about in one clear sentence. All the other details in the text support or explain this main idea.

The author’s purpose is the reason why the author wrote the text. It usually falls into one of these main categories:

• To persuade (convince the reader of something),

• To inform (give facts or teach something), or

• To entertain (amuse or tell a story).

Understanding the author’s purpose helps readers better understand the message and tone of the text.

To compare and contrast means to look at how two or more things are alike and different.

• Compare = tell how things are the same

• Contrast = tell how things are different

This skill helps readers understand relationships between ideas, characters, events, or texts by noticing similarities and differences.