Central Idea
What is the central idea of a text?
The main point or message the author wants to convey.
What makes a summary “objective”?
It includes only facts from the text, not opinions or personal thoughts
What is a “key detail” in a text?
A fact or idea that supports the central idea or helps develop an important point.
What does it mean to “integrate information”?
To combine information from different texts or sources to better understand a topic.
What is a claim in an informational text?
A statement the author makes that they try to prove with evidence.
Name one key detail that could help identify the central idea.
A repeated idea, fact, or statistic that supports the main point
What are two things every summary should include?
The central idea and key supporting details.
How can you tell if a detail is important or not?
If it helps explain, support, or develop the central idea.
If two articles disagree about a topic, what should you do?
Compare the evidence each one provides and consider both perspectives.
What’s the difference between a claim and evidence?
A claim is what the author believes; evidence supports the claim with facts or reasoning.
A paragraph explains how climate change affects sea levels. What might be its central idea?
Climate change causes sea levels to rise, which affects the environment.
An objective summary should include the author’s name.
True
A text describes Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat. What key event does this develop?
The beginning of the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
How does a chart or graph help you understand a written article better?
It gives visual evidence or supports the written information.
How does an author build an argument over time in a text?
By presenting claims, supporting them with evidence, and connecting ideas logically.
Why is it important to find the central idea before summarizing a text?
Because the summary should focus on the central idea and key supporting details.
Rewrite this sentence to make it more objective: “The author did a great job explaining how pollution is ruining the world.”
The author explains the impact of pollution on the environment.
How do authors use repetition to develop a key idea?
Repetition emphasizes the importance of an idea or concept.
You read an article about climate change and watch a documentary on rising sea levels. How can you combine this information?
Use facts and visuals from both to understand the full impact of climate change.
Why might an author include a counterclaim?
To show they understand other viewpoints and to strengthen their own argument.
What is the central idea?
In the last few decades, the world’s oceans have been experiencing a steady rise in temperature. This warming trend is caused primarily by the increase in greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the atmosphere. As the oceans heat up, marine ecosystems face significant changes, including coral bleaching, changes in fish migration patterns, and the loss of biodiversity. In addition to its impact on marine life, warmer oceans contribute to more extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and droughts, which can harm both wildlife and human populations.
The central idea is that rising ocean temperatures, caused by greenhouse gases, are having widespread effects on marine ecosystems and contributing to more extreme weather events.
Write an objective summary of this paragraph.
The process of photosynthesis is vital for life on Earth. It is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy, using carbon dioxide and water. During photosynthesis, plants produce glucose, a form of sugar that serves as a food source, and release oxygen into the atmosphere. This not only sustains the plants themselves but also provides oxygen for humans and animals to breathe. Photosynthesis is crucial for the planet’s ecosystems, supporting the food chain and maintaining balance in the environment.
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This process sustains plants and provides oxygen for animals and humans, playing a key role in the ecosystem and the food chain.
In an article about the impact of deforestation, the author describes how cutting down trees reduces biodiversity by destroying habitats for animals. What is the key detail that helps develop the idea of biodiversity loss?
The key detail is that cutting down trees destroys habitats for animals, which leads to a reduction in biodiversity.
You read an article about the benefits of exercise for mental health and watch a video about how physical activity reduces stress. How can you integrate the information from both sources to deepen your understanding of the topic?
You can integrate the information by combining the article's points about exercise improving mood and the video’s explanation of how it reduces stress hormones. Together, they highlight how regular physical activity benefits mental health by both boosting mood and alleviating stress.
In a debate about renewable energy, the author argues that switching to solar power will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower energy costs in the long term. They support this claim with data showing a decrease in solar energy costs and increased efficiency in solar panels. How does the author build their argument throughout the text?
The author builds their argument by first making a claim about the benefits of solar power and then providing evidence (data on cost reduction and efficiency improvements) to support the claim, reinforcing the argument step by step.