Read the paragraph. The main idea is what the paragraph is mostly about. The details give more information.
Paragraph A: Doctors and nurses work together to care for patients. They check health, treat injuries, and help people recover from illness. Hospitals and clinics rely on many trained workers.
Question
Your Answer
Main Idea: What is this paragraph mostly about?
Detail 1: Name one thing doctors or nurses do.
Detail 2: Where do many trained workers help patients?
Detail 3: Why do doctors and nurses work together?
2 Choose the Main Idea
Read each paragraph. Then circle the BEST main idea.
Paragraph B: The moon changes appearance during the month. Sometimes it looks full and bright, and other times only part of it is visible. These changes are called phases of the moon.
A The moon changes appearance during the month.
B Sometimes only part of the moon is visible.
C These changes are called phases.
Paragraph C: Cooking at home can teach useful skills. Cooks measure, follow directions, and learn how ingredients work together. Practice in the kitchen can build confidence and independence.
A Cooking at home can teach useful skills.
B Cooks measure and follow directions.
C Practice in the kitchen can build confidence.
3 Main Idea or Detail?
Read the paragraph. Then decide: is each statement the MAIN IDEA or a DETAIL?
Paragraph D: Rain boots are made for wet conditions. They keep feet dry and make puddles easier to walk through. Some also have strong bottoms to prevent slipping on slick ground.
Statement
Main Idea or Detail?
Rain boots are made for wet conditions.
They keep feet dry.
They make puddles easier to walk through.
Some prevent slipping.
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 Useful Clothing ItemA Skill You Can Learn at HomePeople Who Help When You Are Sick
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 9.
Topic words: market, basket, fruit, price
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.