Main Idea and Summary

A main idea is

• specific descriptions of people, places, or things

• something real or true

• the central idea in a story

• to show something is real or true

A summary is...

• a belief or judgement

• the events in a novel or a movie

• A restatement/explanation of what's been said

• a fact

A synonym for summary is...

• synopsis

• plot

• fact

• story line

A summary should...

• be written in one draft without revisions

• only use quotes from the text

• use incorrect punctuation

• be in your own words

What is the main idea of an article discussing the impact of technology on education?

• Students use computers in most schools.

• Technology has transformed how students learn and teachers teach.

• Online learning can be more flexible than traditional classes.

• Many educational apps are available for students.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which of the following would be considered a summary of a novel about a detective solving a mystery?

• The detective uses clever reasoning to solve the mystery.

• The novel is 300 pages long and was published in 2020.

• The detective is a 30-year-old man who lives in London.

• A detailed account of each clue the detective finds.

What is the best summary for a report on the effects of global warming on polar regions?

• Global warming leads to melting ice caps, endangering wildlife and raising sea levels.

• Polar regions are cold and covered in ice.

• Many scientists study climate change.

• People should reduce their carbon emissions.

What is the main idea of a passage discussing the effects of global warming?

• Polar ice caps are melting.

• Many species are at risk of extinction.

• Global warming could change weather patterns.

• Global warming poses several threats to our planet.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Summarize the key points of the following passage: "Volunteering in the community can help people develop new skills, make new friends, and give back to society. It also provides a sense of accomplishment and purpose."

• Volunteering helps people develop new skills.

• Volunteering helps people make new friends.

• Volunteering provides a sense of accomplishment.

• Volunteering has many personal and social benefits.

Answer explanation

Volunteering has many personal and social benefits.

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DOK Level 4: Extended Thinking

Details help to ____________ the main idea of a text

• support and back up

• contradict

• relate to