Main Idea: Sharks are amazing hunters.
Which key detail supports this main idea?
a) Sharks can weigh up to 2,000 pounds.
b) Sharks have sharp teeth to catch prey.
c) Sharks live in oceans all over the world.
d) Sharks can swim very fast.
Answer: b) Sharks have sharp teeth to catch prey.
Look at these details from a paragraph about driving.
You need to pay attention to other cars when you drive.
You need to turn with care when you drive.
You must not go too fast when you drive.
Choose the main, or central, idea that ties all the details together.
You need to be careful when you drive
Cars have really fast engines
You need to be careful when you drive
Here are five questions and answers designed for 4th graders to identify the point of view in a story or text:
Sentence: "I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the giant rainbow stretching across the sky. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen!"
What point of view is being shown?
a) First person
b) Second person
c) Third person
Answer: a) First person
Story Summary:
Jack wanted to climb the beanstalk to find treasure, but a giant guarded it. So, Jack snuck past the giant, and then he brought the treasure home to his family.
Summarize using SWBST
Main Idea: Bees are important for plants to grow.
Which key detail supports this main idea?
a) Bees make honey in their hives.
b) Bees have six legs.
c) Bees carry pollen from flower to flower.
d) Bees live in large colonies.
Answer: c) Bees carry pollen from flower to flower.
Look at these details from a paragraph about swimming.
Swimming can help your legs become stronger.
Swimming can strengthen your heart.
Swimming can help keep your lungs healthy.
Sentence: "You walk into the forest, and the sounds of birds fill the air. The path splits into two directions, and you wonder which way to go."
What point of view is being shown?
a) First person
b) Second person
c) Third person
Answer: b) Second person
Story Summary:
Cinderella wanted to go to the royal ball, but her stepmother wouldn’t let her. So, her fairy godmother helped her, and then she danced with the prince and lived happily ever after.
Question: Summarize this story using the "Somebody-Wanted-But-So-Then" method.
Answer:
Main Idea: Dogs are great companions.
Which key detail supports this main idea?
a) Dogs can bark loudly.
b) Dogs love spending time with their owners.
c) Dogs need regular exercise.
d) Dogs come in many shapes and sizes.
Answer: b) Dogs love spending time with their owners.
Look at these details from a paragraph about Wisconsin.
Many Wisconsin cheeses are made from cow's milk.
Wisconsin uses a lot of milk to make butter.
Wisconsin uses milk to make different kinds of ice cream.
Choose the main, or central, idea that ties all the details together.
Wisconsin makes many foods from milk.
Sentence: "I held the map tightly in my hands. This was my chance to find the treasure, and I wasn’t going to give up now."
What point of view is being shown?
a) First person
b) Second person
c) Third person
Answer: a) First person
The little pig wanted to build a house to keep safe, but the big bad wolf kept trying to blow it down. So, he built a strong house of bricks, and then the wolf couldn’t blow it down.
Question: Summarize this story using the "Somebody-Wanted-But-So-Then" method.
Answer:
Main Idea: Recycling helps protect the environment.
Which key detail supports this main idea?
a) Recycling keeps trash out of landfills.
b) People recycle cans and bottles.
c) Many cities have recycling programs.
d) Recycling is a good habit.
Answer: a) Recycling keeps trash out of landfills.
Look at these details from a paragraph about whales.
Whales eat together.
Whales travel in groups.
Whales protect each other from danger.
Choose the main, or central, idea that ties all the details together.
Here are five questions and answers designed for 4th graders to identify the point of view in a story or text:
Sentence: "I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the giant rainbow stretching across the sky. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen!"
What point of view is being shown?
a) First person
b) Second person
c) Third person
Answer: a) First person
Sentence: "You walk into the forest, and the sounds of birds fill the air. The path splits into two directions, and you wonder which way to go."
What point of view is being shown?
a) First person
b) Second person
c) Third person
Answer: b) Second person
Sentence: "Ella carefully placed her drawing on the table. She was proud of her work and hoped her teacher would like it."
What point of view is being shown?
a) First person
b) Second person
c) Third person
Answer: c) Third person
Summary:
Rosa Parks wanted to keep her seat on the bus, but the law at the time said she had to give it up for a white passenger. So, she refused to move and was arrested, and then her bravery inspired the Civil Rights Movement.
Question: Summarize this event using the "Somebody-Wanted-But-So-Then" method.
Answer:
Main Idea: Polar bears are built to survive in the Arctic.
Which key detail supports this main idea?
a) Polar bears eat fish and seals.
b) Polar bears have thick fur and a layer of fat to stay warm.
c) Polar bears are very strong swimmers.
d) Polar bears live on ice and snow.
Answer: b) Polar bears have thick fur and a layer of fat to stay warm.
Look at these details from a paragraph about frogs.
Some frogs use their long legs like springs to jump.
Some frogs have webbed feet to help them swim.
Some frogs have padded toes that help them climb up and down trees.
Choose the main, or central, idea that ties all the details together.
Sentence: "Liam wasn’t sure what to say. He looked at his friend and took a deep breath. 'Okay,' he finally said, 'let’s give it a try.'"
What point of view is being shown?
a) First person
b) Second person
c) Third person
Answer: c) Third person
Summary:
Jane Goodall wanted to study chimpanzees in their natural habitat, but it was difficult to get close to them. So, she observed them quietly and earned their trust, and then she discovered that chimpanzees use tools, changing how scientists understand animals.
Question: Summarize this event using the "Somebody-Wanted-But-So-Then" method.
Answer: