Read the paragraph. The main idea is what the paragraph is mostly about. The details give more information.
Paragraph A: Wind turbines create electricity from moving air. Their blades spin when the wind blows, and that motion powers a generator. Wind energy is renewable, which means it can be used again and again.
Question
Your Answer
Main Idea: What is this paragraph mostly about?
Detail 1: What makes turbine blades spin?
Detail 2: What powers the generator?
Detail 3: What does renewable mean here?
2 Choose the Main Idea
Read each paragraph. Then circle the BEST main idea.
Paragraph B: A museum can be an exciting place to learn. Visitors read signs, look at old objects, and explore exhibits about science, art, or history. Museums help people understand the world in new ways.
A Visitors read signs and look at objects.
B A museum can be an exciting place to learn.
C Museums may have science exhibits.
Paragraph C: Exercise outside can improve both body and mind. Walking, biking, or playing in a park gives your body movement and your brain fresh air. Time outdoors can also help some people feel calmer.
A Walking, biking, or playing gives your body movement.
B Exercise outside can improve both body and mind.
C Time outdoors can help people feel calmer.
3 Main Idea or Detail?
Read the paragraph. Then decide: is each statement the MAIN IDEA or a DETAIL?
Paragraph D: Community gardens bring neighbors together. People share tools, care for plants, and learn from one another. These gardens can provide food and create a stronger neighborhood.
Statement
Main Idea or Detail?
Community gardens bring neighbors together.
People share tools.
Gardens can provide food.
People learn from one another.
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 Place Where People LearnWhy Fresh Air MattersA Project That Helps a Neighborhood
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 5.
Topic words: beach, shell, wave, pattern
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.