Read the paragraph. The main idea is what the paragraph is mostly about. The details give more information.
Paragraph A: Turtles have special features that help them survive. Their shells protect them from danger, and some turtles can hide inside when they feel threatened. Many turtles also live near water and can swim well.
Question
Your Answer
Main Idea: What is this paragraph mostly about?
Detail 1: How does a shell help a turtle?
Detail 2: What can some turtles do when they feel threatened?
Detail 3: Where do many turtles live?
2 Choose the Main Idea
Read each paragraph. Then circle the BEST main idea.
Paragraph B: Rainforests are full of living things. Birds, insects, monkeys, and frogs all share the same habitat. Tall trees form layers that create shade below. Rainforests are busy and rich ecosystems.
A Tall trees form layers.
B Rainforests are full of living things.
C Monkeys live in rainforests.
Paragraph C: Maps are useful tools for travelers. They show roads, rivers, cities, and other landmarks. A map key explains symbols, and a compass rose shows direction. Maps help people find where to go.
A A map key explains symbols.
B Maps help people find where to go.
C A compass rose shows direction.
3 Main Idea or Detail?
Read the paragraph. Then decide: is each statement the MAIN IDEA or a DETAIL?
Paragraph D: Class pets can teach responsibility. Students may take turns feeding the pet, cleaning its space, and watching its behavior. Caring for an animal helps students notice that living things have needs.
Statement
Main Idea or Detail?
Class pets can teach responsibility.
Students may take turns feeding the pet.
Caring for an animal shows that living things have needs.
Students may clean the pet's space.
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 IdeasA Great Classroom PetPlaces to ExploreAn Animal I Want to Learn About
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 3.
Topic words: garden, seed, leaf, plan
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.