Determining Main Idea & Key Details in an Informational Text

Michael Jackson was a dancer, singer, songwriter, and producer. Michael began singing and dancing with his older brothers in 1964. Michael wrote his first song in 1979 and in 1991 he co-produced his album "Dangerous".

What is the main idea in this paragraph?

• Michael Jackson wrote his first song in 1979.

• Michael Jackson was a danger, singer, songwriter, and producer.

• Michael Jackson began singing and dancing with his older brothers in 1964.

Berry Gordon was not real sure about signing The Jackson 5 - Michael, Jermaine, Tito, Marlon, and Jackie Jackson - to his Motown record label. In order to even be considered for the position to work with Motown, Michael and his brothers had to first audition. After watching Michael's dance moves and listening to his amazing voice, at only 10 years old, Gordon decided to work with them.

What would make a good heading for this paragraph?

• The Jackson 5 Was Born

• Michael Jackson and His Brothers

• Michael Jackson Turns 10

The moonwalk, one of Michael Jackson's popular dance moves, was made famous around the world after it aired on television in 1983. Jackson learned the move from watching his friends and then perfected it in the studio. To dazzle his audience, Jackson would dance the moonwalk, followed by a spin, and then stand on his toes with a freeze-frame pose.

Which idea from the article is supported by the photograph?

• The moonwalk, one of Michael Jackson's popular dance moves, was made famous around the world after it aired on television in 1983.

• Jackson learned the move from watching his friends and then perfected it in the studio.

• To dazzle his audience, Jackson would dance the moonwalk, followed by a spin, and then stand on his toes with a freeze-frame pose.

Michael Jackson is no stranger when it comes to achievements and awards. He has earned a total of 17 Grammy's - 15 from his solo career and 2 from his time with The Jackson 5. He also earned a Grammy Legend Award and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He earned 26 American Music Awards, 40 Billboard Awards, and 13 World Music Awards. He is a two-time member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

What would make a good heading for this paragraph?

• The Life of Michael Jackson

• Achievements & Awards of Michael Jackson

• Michael Jackson Becomes Famous

Early Life of Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson was born in a two-bedroom house in Gary, Indiana on August 29, 1958. He was number 8 out of 10 children born to Katherine Esther Jackson and Joseph Walters Jackson.

The title from the article helps the reader understand...

• the humble beginnings of Michael Jackson before he became the Michael Jackson we know of today

• the life of Michael Jackson including his achievements and awards

• how Michael Jackson became known as "The King of Pop"