Main Idea
The central point or message, “What” the text is about
The Main Idea
This reading skill involves shortening a text by identifying the main idea and the most important details while leaving out minor information and personal opinions.
Summarizing!
These words help readers understand the order of events in a text.
Sequencing words
What are the names of all of Santa’s reindeer?
Rudolph, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen
How much dirt is in a hole that measures four feet by four feet by five feet?
None, holes don't have dirt in them
These pieces of information explain, support, or prove the main idea and should be carefully selected for a summary.
Key details / supporting details
Dialogue, repeated information, and vivid descriptions usually fall into this category and should be avoided in a summary.
Unnessesary information / filler words
This phrase shows that one event happened before another: ____ the movie started, the trailers played.
Before
Which two countries share the longest border?
Canada and the U.S.A
What begins with T, ends with T, and has T in it?
A Teapot!
This sentence often states the main idea directly in a paragraph, often found at the beginning.
Topic Sentence
How do you find supporting details?
-Look for specific examples or evidence in the text that support the main idea
-Look for statistics, data, statements that support the main idea
What is sequencing?
The ability to put events, ideas, or actions in the correct order
Who was Canada's First Prime Minister?
Sir John A. Macdonald
What is the beginning of eternity, the end of time and space, the beginning of every end, and the end of every race?
The letter E
A passage describes all the different types of weather and their effects: sunny, rainy, snowy, and windy.
Main idea:
A) Weather changes every day.
B) The weather affects people and the environment.
C) Snow is cold.
D) Sun is bright
B) The weather affects people and the environment.
Summerize: When a small dog named Max went missing, his family searched the neighborhood, posted flyers, and asked neighbors for help. Days passed without any news, and the family worried. Finally, a neighbor found Max stuck in a shed and called the family. Max returned home safely, and the family was grateful for their supportive community. The experience reminded them of the importance of caring neighbors and looking out for one another.
When Max went missing, his family searched and asked neighbors for help until a neighbor found him, showing the importance of community support.
Tom wanted to bake cookies. First, he gathered flour, sugar, and eggs. Then, he mixed the ingredients. Next, he put the dough in the oven. Finally, he shared the cookies with his family.
Put these steps in order:
a. Mixed ingredients
b. Shared cookies
c. Gathered flour, sugar, and eggs
First: c
Second: a
Third: b
What year did the first iPhone launch?
2007
You’re in a dark room with a candle, a wood stove, and a gas lamp. You only have one match, so what do you light first?
The match