Read the paragraph. The main idea is what the paragraph is mostly about. The details give more information.
Paragraph A: Farmers depend on weather when they grow crops. Rain helps seeds sprout, and sunlight helps plants make food. Too much heat or not enough water can damage a harvest.
Question
Your Answer
Main Idea: What is this paragraph mostly about?
Detail 1: What helps seeds sprout?
Detail 2: What helps plants make food?
Detail 3: What can damage a harvest?
2 Choose the Main Idea
Read each paragraph. Then circle the BEST main idea.
Paragraph B: Batteries store energy so people can use devices away from a wall outlet. Flashlights, remotes, and some toys all rely on batteries. When a battery runs out, the device may stop working until it is replaced or recharged.
A Flashlights and remotes rely on batteries.
B Batteries store energy for devices.
C A device may stop working when the battery runs out.
Paragraph C: Good listeners pay attention in more than one way. They look at the speaker, think about the message, and wait for the right time to respond. Listening carefully helps people avoid confusion.
A Good listeners pay attention in more than one way.
B They look at the speaker.
C Listening carefully helps people avoid confusion.
3 Main Idea or Detail?
Read the paragraph. Then decide: is each statement the MAIN IDEA or a DETAIL?
Paragraph D: Bird nests are built to protect eggs and chicks. Different birds use twigs, mud, grass, or feathers. The shape and location of the nest help keep the young birds safe.
Statement
Main Idea or Detail?
Bird nests are built to protect eggs and chicks.
Birds use twigs, mud, grass, or feathers.
The shape of a nest helps keep birds safe.
The location of a nest matters too.
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 Listening Is ImportantHow Animals Protect Their YoungWhy Weather Matters
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 8.
Topic words: trail, sign, tree, path
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.