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

From the passage 'Under the Ice', how does the Weddell seal create breathing holes?

Weddell seals use their sharp teeth to scrape off bits of ice to make sure their breathing holes stay open.

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

From the text 'Under the Ice', what physical adaptation protects the Weddell seal from its frozen world?

What is blubber?

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 wildfire 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 wildfire.
300
What are Key Details?
Specific information that helps support the main idea of a text.
300

From the text 'What is Adaptation?', what are 'physical adaptations'?

Body features or structures that help an animal, plant, or any other living organism survive in its environment.

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

What is the main idea of the text: 'Warning Enemies Are Near'? 

'Vervet monkeys use different calls to warn each other of enemies that are nearby.'

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

From the core text: What is a Biome?

A region of Earth that has the same climate.

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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