Read the paragraph. The main idea is what the paragraph is mostly about. The details give more information.
Paragraph A: School rules help classrooms run smoothly. Rules remind students how to stay safe, respect others, and take care of shared materials. When people follow rules, everyone can learn more easily.
Question
Your Answer
Main Idea: What is this paragraph mostly about?
Detail 1: What do rules remind students to do?
Detail 2: How do rules help safety?
Detail 3: Why can everyone learn more easily when rules are followed?
2 Choose the Main Idea
Read each paragraph. Then circle the BEST main idea.
Paragraph B: Satellites orbit Earth and collect information. Some help with weather forecasts, while others support communication or map making. Satellites are important tools in space and on Earth.
A Satellites orbit Earth and collect information.
B Some satellites help with weather forecasts.
C Satellites are important tools.
Paragraph C: Art can communicate ideas without many words. Colors, shapes, and images can show feelings or tell a story. Different artists choose different styles to express meaning.
A Art can communicate ideas without many words.
B Colors and shapes can show feelings.
C Artists choose different styles.
3 Main Idea or Detail?
Read the paragraph. Then decide: is each statement the MAIN IDEA or a DETAIL?
Paragraph D: Healthy sleep helps the body and brain. Sleep gives the body time to rest and helps the brain stay focused the next day. Without enough sleep, it can be harder to learn and remember things.
Statement
Main Idea or Detail?
Healthy sleep helps the body and brain.
Sleep gives the body time to rest.
Sleep helps the brain stay focused.
Not enough sleep can make learning harder.
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 IdeasWhy Sleep MattersA Tool That Helps People on EarthWhy Rules Can Help a Group
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?
+ Bonus Reading Practice
Use this short practice to extend Set 10.
Topic words: science lab, model, test, result
1. Write one sentence using two of the words above.
2. What detail would you expect to find in a passage about this topic?
3. Write one inference a reader could make from a text about this topic.