Read the paragraph. The main idea is what the paragraph is mostly about. The details give more information.
Paragraph A: Firefighters have many duties. They put out fires, rescue people, and help during storms or crashes. They also teach safety lessons to children. Firefighters protect communities in many ways.
Question
Your Answer
Main Idea: What is this paragraph mostly about?
Detail 1: Name one emergency firefighters help with.
Detail 2: Who do firefighters sometimes teach?
Detail 3: How do firefighters help communities?
2 Choose the Main Idea
Read each paragraph. Then circle the BEST main idea.
Paragraph B: Ants are tiny but hardworking insects. They gather food, build tunnels, and care for young ants in the colony. Ants often work together in lines to move food. Their teamwork helps the colony survive.
A Ants often work together in lines.
B Ants are tiny but hardworking insects.
C Ants care for young ants.
Paragraph C: Music can affect your mood. A calm song may help you relax, while a fast beat can make you feel energized. People often choose different kinds of music for studying, exercising, or celebrating.
A A calm song may help you relax.
B Music can affect your mood.
C People choose music for different activities.
3 Main Idea or Detail?
Read the paragraph. Then decide: is each statement the MAIN IDEA or a DETAIL?
Paragraph D: The school cafeteria can be a busy place. Students line up, carry trays, and look for seats. Workers move quickly to serve food and keep everything organized.
Statement
Main Idea or Detail?
The school cafeteria can be a busy place.
Students line up and carry trays.
Workers serve food quickly.
Students look for seats.
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 SongA Busy School PlaceA Hero in My Community
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 4.
Topic words: museum, map, guide, fact
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.