📖 Read each paragraph. The main idea is what the paragraph is
mostly about. The details give more information.
Paragraph A: Bees are very important insects. They help flowers grow by carrying pollen
from one flower to another. Bees also make honey, which people love to eat. Without bees, many of our
favorite fruits and vegetables could not grow.
Question
Your Answer
Main Idea: What is this paragraph mostly about?
Detail 1: How do bees help flowers?
Detail 2: What do bees make?
Detail 3: What would happen without bees?
2 Choose the Main Idea
🎯 Read each paragraph. Then circle the BEST main idea.
Paragraph B: The ocean is home to many amazing animals. Dolphins swim fast and jump out
of the water. Sea turtles travel thousands of miles to lay eggs on sandy beaches. Colorful clownfish
hide in coral reefs. The ocean is full of incredible life.
A Dolphins can jump out of the water.
B The ocean is home to many amazing animals.
C Clownfish live in coral reefs.
Paragraph C: Exercise is good for your body in many ways. It makes your heart strong
and keeps your muscles healthy. Running, swimming, and biking are all great ways to exercise. When you
exercise, your brain releases chemicals that make you feel happy.
A Running is a great way to exercise.
B Exercise makes your brain feel happy.
C Exercise is good for your body in many ways.
3 Main Idea or Detail?
🗂️ Read the paragraph. Then decide: is each statement the MAIN IDEA or a DETAIL?
Paragraph D: There are many ways to stay safe during a thunderstorm. You should go
inside a building right away. Stay away from windows and don't touch anything metal. Never stand under a
tree during a storm. Wait until the thunder stops before going back outside.
Statement
Main Idea or Detail?
There are many ways to stay safe during a thunderstorm.
Stay away from windows.
Never stand under a tree during a storm.
You should go inside a building right away.
4 Write Your Own Paragraph
✍️ Write a short paragraph with a main idea and at least 2 supporting details.
Pick one topic below or choose your own!
Topic IdeasMy Favorite AnimalWhy Recess Is FunThings I Like to Eat
My main idea:
My paragraph:
5 Evidence-Based Questions (SBA Practice)
These two-part questions are like the ones on the state test. First answer the question, then find the evidence that supports your answer.
Part A: What is the main idea of this passage?
Part B: Which detail from the text BEST supports your answer to Part A?
Explain in your own words: How does this detail support your answer?