A central idea of a text is one of the main points the author is making.
(Sometimes a central idea is called a main idea.)
A central idea can always be supported with details from the text.
Central Ideas and Details
1. Read the central idea of the introduction and the section “Harsh Punishment” stated in the box
below. Then check the boxes next to the THREE details that support the central idea.
2. Read the details below. In the box, complete the central idea that these details support.
Detail 1: “Head counts took place constantly.” (p. 9)
Detail 2: “ Men had tried to escape from Alcatraz before only to drown in the frigid waters of San
Francisco Bay.” (p. 6)
Detail 3: “ Men had made it this far before. None had made it to freedom. Some drowned. Others
were turned back by the strong currents.” (p. 7)
Core Skills Workout: Central Ideas and Details-LL
NONFICTION: “Escape From Alcatraz,” pages 4–10
December 2017/January 2018
Central Idea:
Frank Morris, Allen West, and the Anglin brothers were resourceful.
Directions: Follow the prompts below to explore the central ideas and supporting details in “Escape From Alcatraz.”
Name: ___________________________________________________ Date: ________________________
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THE LANGUAGE ARTS MAGAZINE
“They covered the dummy heads with hair stolen from the prison barbershop and painted
faces on them.” (p. 7)
“Carefully avoiding the prison searchlight, they crawled silently across the roof . . .” (p. 7)
“For months, they had been using stolen spoons and a power drill made out of a vacuum
cleaner motor to dig away at the concrete walls of their prison cells.” (p. 6)
“Using stolen and handmade tools, they’d managed to fashion life jackets and a raft out of
raincoats.” (p. 6)
“Morris, who’d been imprisoned for bank burglary, was no stranger to escape.” (pp. 6-7)
Central Idea:
It was extremely difficult to .
