Central Idea Sleuths
What is the central idea of a text?
The main point or most important concept the author is trying to convey.
What should a summary include?
Only main ideas and key details, no opinions
Characters’ actions are important because they ____________.
Add to the plot/ help move the story forward
What figurative device compares two unlike things using “like” or “as”?
Similie
One article has a central idea about protecting oceans. Another’s central idea is about fishing laws. What is one difference between them?
Their central ideas focus on different topics/aspects
True or False: Every detail in a text should support the central idea.
Summarize: “Jared trained hard for the race, faced rainy weather, but finished first.
Jared worked hard, overcame challenges, and won the race
If a character gives up a treasure to save a friend, what does that show about them?
They value friendship over things.
Shortening a text to only the key ideas is called…
Summarizing
An author writes to convince you to recycle more. What is their purpose?
If an article presents three examples of space exploration, is this a good central idea: Space exploration has led to important scientific discoveries.
Correct
Q: Why do we avoid adding our personal thoughts in a summary?
To keep it focused on fact and the text
What is the “climax” of a story?
The most intense moment when the main problem is confronted.
What is one difference between paraphrasing and summarizing?
Summarizing keeps only main ideas, paraphrasing keeps all details in new words
The word “joyful” has what kind of connotation?
Positive
Why is identifying supporting details important?
They prove or explain the central idea/theme
Name 1 strategy for summarizing a text.
Identify who/what, the key events, and the outcome
How can setting influence character actions?
The environment or time period can shape choices and opportunities
Summarize: “The hikers packed supplies, checked the map, and began their trek up the mountain.”
The hikers prepared and started climbing the mountain
Summarize in one sentence: “Tom gathered his notes, practiced his speech, and presented it to the class.”
Tom prepared and gave a class speech?
A passage says, “Annie always volunteered at the shelter, helped neighbors, and picked up litter.” What is the central idea?
Annie demonstrates kindness and community responsibility.
Q: Summarize: “Coral reefs protect shorelines, support marine life, and provide jobs,” in one sentence.
Coral reefs are valuable because they protect coasts, support ecosystems, and help economies
Name two key elements of a story besides characters and plot.
Setting and theme
Explain why summarizing helps you find the central idea.
It forces you to focus only on the most important points
A paragraph lists events in the order they happened. Identify the text structure.
Chronological order