Summarising
I can find the main idea of a paragraph and sum up a text in a few words.
For grown-ups: this lesson in words
Years 3 to 6 · English
Summarising: I can find the main idea of a paragraph and sum up a text in a few words.
Here is a paragraph about otters. Read it carefully.
A paragraph is mostly about one big idea. We call that big idea the main idea.
Picture: A short text with a picture of an otter: "Otters are brilliant swimmers. Their webbed feet push them through the water. Their thick fur keeps them warm and dry. A long, strong tail helps them steer."
Ask yourself: what is this paragraph mostly about?
Every sentence is about how well otters swim. The main idea is: Otters are brilliant swimmers.
Often the first sentence tells you the main idea. But not always, so check every sentence.
Picture: A short text with a picture of an otter: "Otters are brilliant swimmers. Their webbed feet push them through the water. Their thick fur keeps them warm and dry. A long, strong tail helps them steer." "Otters are brilliant swimmers." is underlined.
The other sentences give details. A detail is a small fact that backs up the main idea.
Webbed feet, thick fur and a long, strong tail are details. Each one helps otters swim.
Picture: A short text with a picture of an otter: "Otters are brilliant swimmers. Their webbed feet push them through the water. Their thick fur keeps them warm and dry. A long, strong tail helps them steer." "webbed feet", "thick fur" and "long, strong tail" are underlined.
Your turn: Which sentence is the main idea of the otter paragraph?
Picture: A short text with a picture of an otter: "Otters are brilliant swimmers. Their webbed feet push them through the water. Their thick fur keeps them warm and dry. A long, strong tail helps them steer."
Choose one:
- Otters are brilliant swimmers.
- Their thick fur keeps them warm and dry.
- A long, strong tail helps them steer.
Answer
The answer: Otters are brilliant swimmers.