Using Tree Charts

• It's a diagram that starts with one main idea and branches out to details.

• It shows how ideas connect and grow from one another

First Box

The first box at the top of the tree chart is for the main idea of the text that you are reading.

Smaller Boxes Under First Box

Underneath the main idea box are smaller boxes for more main ideas. Each paragraph in the text will have a main idea to identify.

Boxes Under Paragraph Main Idea Boxes

Under each paragraph's main idea is a place to elaborate and add key details in that paragraph.

Last Box

The last box of the tree chart is for the conclusion and theme of the text. It is the overall message that is supported by the main ideas and key details.

It's the underlying message, lesson, or insight about life, people, or the world that the author wants the reader to understand. It is usually a broader idea that goes beyond the specific story or facts.

Theme

It's the central point or the most important thing the author wants to tell the reader about the topic. It summarizes what the passage is mostly about.

Main Idea