ELA Key Details and Main Idea

Which best describes a summary?

• a really long detailed piece of writing

• the entire text told in your own words

• a dumb thing that teachers make you write

• the main ideas and important details of a text

There are many fun things to do at the beach.  Swimming is one thing that can be done at the beach.  Snorkeling is another thing that can be enjoyed.  Playing beach volleyball can be a lot of fun.  It is also fun to look for shells.  Some people simply like to sunbathe.
What is the main idea?

• There are many fun things to do at the beach.

• It is also fun to look for shells.

• Some people simply like to sunbathe.

• Going to the beach to swim can be fun.

I can't wait until this weekend! We’re going to my grandparents’ house and my entire family will be there. I will spend most of my time playing games with my cousins. We always have such a good time together! The day goes by so fast, and by the end we are all exhausted... but we still don’t want to leave!
What is the main idea?

• Weekends are times to travel.

• The author enjoys spending time with her family.

• The author's grandparents live far away.

• The author is sad to leave her cousins.

Key details give important information to support the main idea.

• True

• False

Read the following details and determine the main idea of the words.
-theater
-candy
-popcorn
-dark

• Playing at the park.

• Going to school.

• Playing a soccer game.

• Going to the movies.

You should write your summary

• in your own words with complete sentences

• in a secret language that you make up

• in one draft without revising

• in fragments without punctuation

Summaries help me...

• understand what I'm reading

• write about what I read

• include the key points of a text

• all of the above

How long should a summary be?

• a full page

• half of a page

• one sentence

• 3-5 sentences

The main point or meaning the author is trying to explain in the story.

• Main idea

• Character

• Setting

• Plot

Which of the following best describes the main idea of a text?

• A) The main events that happen in the story

• B) The central point or message the author wants to convey

• C) The setting and characters involved

• D) The author's writing style