Understanding Summaries and Main Ideas

What is a summary?

• A detailed explanation of a topic

• A brief statement of the main points

• A list of all the details

• A long story

What is the main idea of a paragraph?

• The most important point the author is making

• A random detail from the paragraph

• The title of the paragraph

• The first sentence of the paragraph

Which of the following is NOT a step in writing a paragraph?

• Write a topic sentence

• Add supporting details

• Write a summary

• Conclude with a closing sentence

What should a topic sentence do?

• Introduce the main idea of the paragraph

• Provide a detailed explanation

• List all the details

• Conclude the paragraph

What is the purpose of supporting details in a paragraph?

• To introduce new topics

• To explain and give more information about the main idea

• To confuse the reader

• To summarize the paragraph

Which sentence is a good example of a topic sentence?

• "Dogs are very loyal animals."

• "They have four legs."

• "Some dogs are brown."

• "Dogs can bark."

What should a closing sentence do?

• Introduce a new idea

• Summarize the main points of the paragraph

• Add more details

• Start a new paragraph

Which of the following is a good supporting detail for the topic sentence "Dogs are very loyal animals"?

• "Dogs can be trained to do tricks."

• "Dogs often stay by their owner's side."

• "Dogs have fur."

• "Dogs can run fast."

What is the first step in writing a paragraph?

• Write the closing sentence

• Write the topic sentence

• Add supporting details

• Write a summary

Which of the following best describes a summary?

• A long explanation

• A brief statement of the main points

• A list of all the details

• A random sentence