Summary

Telling in your own words what the main idea (central idea) of a passage is AND giving the key details is called a __________.

• summary

• key detail

• main idea

Read the passage and choose the best summary.

• A

• B

• C

Read the passage and choose the best summary.

• A

• B

• C

It started when they got to the bears. Peter felt tired and his stomach hurt. He dragged himself over to see the elephants, which were eating from a stack of hay. Normally, the elephants were his favorite. Without much interest, Peter followed his classmates to the camels, which were busy swatting flies with their tails. Peter knew he should be having fun at the zoo, but he just felt terrible and all he wanted to do was lie down and rest. Even the lions and tigers did not interest him now. The summary of the passage is...

• Peter didn't enjoy the zoo because he didn't feel well.

• Peter followed his classmates to the camels.

• Elephants were Peter's favorite and they were eating hay.

Which of the following is NOT a step in creating a concise summary?

• Identifying the thesis statement or main idea

• Listing every character and their actions

• Eliminating redundant or unnecessary information

• Keeping the summary proportional to the original text

Which of the following is NOT necessary when creating a concise summary?

• Identifying the author's tone and style

• Including every example the author uses

• Focusing on the main idea and key details

• Eliminating personal interpretations and opinions

A good summary should:

• Include your personal opinion about the text

• Be written without revising or editing

• Reflect the author's purpose and main ideas accurately

• Focus on minor details to provide depth

When summarizing key details, it is important to:

• Include all names, dates, and places

• Select only the details that support the main idea

• Rewrite the text in a complex manner

• Focus on decorative language to enhance the summary

Which of the following is NOT a key detail in a summary?

• Main characters in a story

• Background settings

• Minor characters' favorite colors

• Major events

In summarizing, it is crucial to:

• Focus solely on the introduction and conclusion

• Capture the essence of the text while omitting minor details

• Include detailed critiques and analyses

• Rewrite the text in the first person perspective