Main Idea
How do you spell my last name? (With your eyes closed)
STEEVENS
First the students entered the classroom. Later, they completed their warm-up. Finally, they began guided reading.
Question: What word signals the final event?
Finally
The bell rings at 8:05 each morning. Students then report to first period.
Question: Which detail is a verifiable fact?
Bell rings at 8:05
Because the student skipped instructions, the assignment was completed incorrectly.
Question: What is the cause?
Skipped instructions
What is one way Reading Group is different from ELA class? What is one way that Reading Group is similar to ELA class?
Answers will vary
Homework helps students practice skills, prepare for quizzes, and build responsibility. Students who complete homework regularly tend to perform better on assessments.
Question: Which sentence best states the main idea?
Students who complete homework regularly tend to perform better on assessments.
The argument happened at lunch. Earlier that morning, the group had already disagreed in class. That night, apologies were sent.
Question: Which event actually happened first?
The group disagreed.
If I had a catch phrase (something I say often), what would it be?
Answers will vary.
A student began practicing fluency nightly. Within weeks, their reading speed and confidence increased.
Question: What is the long-term effect?
Reading speed & confidence increased
Paper books do not require batteries. Digital books allow text size adjustments and built-in dictionaries.
Question: Are these being compared or contrasted? Explain.
Contrasted - telling the differences in pros for each method of reading.
Some students prefer paper books. Others enjoy digital reading. Each format has advantages, such as accessibility or reduced eye strain.
Question: Why would “Reading is important” be a weak main idea here?
Because the passage is about different methods of reading, not "why reading is important."
After the quiz was returned, students realized they had misunderstood cause and effect. Before that, they believed they were fully prepared.
Question: What is the correct order of events?
Students believed they were prepared, they misunderstood the cause & effect, and then the quiz was returned.
Students who practiced reading for 20 minutes a night increased their accuracy by 12%. Many of them also reported enjoying reading more.
Question: Which detail directly supports improvement with data?
What room does Mrs. Steevens teach in (most of the time)?
A100
Two students prepare differently for tests. One studies nightly. One waits until the last minute. Both want high scores.
Question: Identify one similarity and one difference.
Similarity: both want high scores
Difference: One studies nightly; one waits until last minute
Over the course of the semester, students increased their independent reading time, participated more in discussions, and used academic vocabulary more frequently in their writing. Teachers reported growth not only in test performance, but also in student confidence and engagement.
Question: Write a precise main idea that includes both academic and behavioral growth.
Students showed growth in both academic reading skills and classroom confidence over the semester.
After students completed the exit ticket, the teacher reviewed common mistakes. Earlier, students had worked in pairs. At the start of class, they had completed a warm-up.
Question: Rewrite the sequence in correct order using transition words.
At the beginning of the class, the students completed a warm up. Then, they completed an activity in pairs. Finally, they completed an exit ticket and the teacher reviewed common mistakes.
The article claims that daily exercise improves mental health. It includes survey data, science-based research, and personal stories from teenagers.
Question: Which detail is the weakest form of evidence? Explain.
Personal stories
For several weeks, Jamal stayed up late playing video games instead of completing his homework. Because he was tired in class, he stopped paying close attention during lessons. As a result, he began missing important instructions and made repeated mistakes on his assignments. By the end of the quarter, his grades had dropped in multiple subjects.
Question: Identify the initial cause, the immediate effect, and the final long-term effect.
Initial Cause:
Jamal stayed up late playing video games instead of doing homework.
Immediate Effect:
He was tired in class and stopped paying close attention to lessons.
Final Long-Term Effect:
His grades dropped in multiple subjects by the end of the quarter.
Sofia prefers studying in complete silence at her desk, where she can focus without distractions. Marcus, on the other hand, enjoys studying with music playing softly in the background. Both students set aside time each night to review their notes and prepare for upcoming tests. Although their study environments are different, each believes their method helps them stay focused.
Question: Identify one similarity and two differences between Sofia and Marcus.
One Similarity:
Both students study each night and review their notes to prepare for tests.
Two Differences:
Sofia studies in complete silence, while Marcus studies with music.
Sofia prefers no distractions; Marcus finds light background noise helpful.
For weeks, the town prepared for the annual winter festival. Local businesses decorated their windows, volunteers planned activities, and families donated supplies for food drives. On the day of the event, hundreds of people filled the streets to enjoy music, games, and community meals. By the end of the weekend, the festival had raised significant funds and strengthened connections among neighbors.
Question: What is the best main idea of this passage?
The town’s winter festival united the community through preparation, celebration, and shared goals.
Students celebrated their improvement at the end of the month. Throughout the month, they tracked fluency scores. On the first day, many students struggled to read smoothly.
Question: Identify the first, middle, and last stages of this sequence.
1. Students struggled to read smoothly.
2. Tracked scores throughout the month.
3. Celebrated improvement.
What day of the cycle, period, and time of day do you have Reading Group?
Answers will vary
The school district introduced a new digital grading system for teachers. At first, many teachers struggled to learn the new platform, which caused delays in posting grades. Because of the delays, students and parents became confused about academic progress. After several weeks of training and practice, however, the system began running smoothly and communication improved.
Question: Identify two causes and two effects described in this passage.
Two Causes:
The school district introduced a new digital grading system.
Many teachers initially struggled to learn the new platform.
Two Effects:
Grades were posted late, causing confusion for students and parents.
After training, the system ran smoothly and communication improved.
In elementary school, students remain with one teacher for most of the day and follow a consistent routine. In middle school, students move from class to class and are expected to manage multiple teachers and assignments. Both environments require students to follow rules, complete work, and learn new material. However, middle school demands greater independence and responsibility.
Question: What is being compared, what is being contrasted, and what is the author’s main point about the difference?
What Is Being Compared:
Elementary school and middle school learning environments.
What Is Being Contrasted:
Staying with one teacher vs. changing classes
Structured routine vs. increased independence
Author’s Main Point About the Difference:
Middle school requires greater independence and responsibility than elementary school, even though both require learning, rules, and completing work.