Definitions
Structure
Summary Practice
100
What is Summarization?
Briefly restating the main idea and key details of a text, in your own words.
100

How long should a summary be?

About 5-8 sentences, but definitely shorter than the original text.
100
Goosebumps happen when your body gets cold or when you have a strong feeling, such as fear. Nerves carry a signal to tiny muscles in the skin. The muscles tighten. The muscles then make the hair on the body stand up. Summarize this paragraph in ONE sentence.
Goosebumps are tiny bumps that are caused by your muscles making the hair on your body stand up.
200
What is the Main Idea?
What the text is "all about"
200

We need to look for supporting details in the ______, ______, and ______ of the text.

Beginning, Middle, End

200

Sometimes wild animals and people cause trouble for each other without meaning to. Wild animals often have a great sense of smell. They can smell our garbage, barbecue grills, pet food, and bird feeders. If wild animals find this food without getting scared away, they may come back. They might eat things they shouldn't. They can also cause damage. We can help wildlife by taking care of our food and garbage. By keeping things out of reach, we can prevent trouble. Summarize this paragraph in ONE sentence.

People can keep food and garbage out of reach of animals to avoid trouble with wildlife.

300

What are Supporting/Key Details?

Specific information that helps support the main idea of a text.

300

True or False:

We should be using a lot of direct quotes when we summarize.

False!

300
A valley is a low area of land. It usually has mountains or hills around it. A valley may have rivers and streams flowing through it. These rivers and streams carry water toward the ocean. The bottom of the valley is called the floor. The soil there is often rich and good for farming. Summarize this paragraph in ONE sentence.
Valleys are low areas that may have rivers and rich soil.
400
What are the five questions you need to ask yourself when summarizing a passage?
Who, What, When, Where, Why
400

Article titles go in...

Quotations

400
Giraffes are the tallest animals living on Earth today. They have long necks that help them reach the leaves of tall trees. Their favorite leaves are the acacia tree. This tree has very thorny branches. Giraffes have long tongues that help them hold the branches. Their tongues help them avoid the thorns and strip off the leaves to eat. Summarize this paragraph in ONE sentence.
Giraffes' long necks and tongues help them get food.
500
What is an Informational Text?
Text that includes factual information.
500

We need to do this after we introduce the article.

Verb it!

500
In the U.S, many fourth graders study all about their home state. They learn about the first people to live in the area. They learn how their state was settled and developed. Students also study the land, climate, government, and jobs. They may learn about famous people from their state. State studies can be especially fun. Students see how history connects to their own lives. Summarize the paragraph in ONE sentence.
In the U.S, many fourth graders study their home state and connect their own lives to history.
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