teaching resource

Finding the Central Idea Worksheet

Updated: 23 May 2023

Read a short article, answer 10 comprehension questions, and use the gathered knowledge to write a central idea sentence about the text.

Editable: Google Slides
Non-Editable: PDF
Pages: 1 Page
Years: 4 - 5

Curriculum

VC2E4LY09

Use comprehension strategies, such as visualising, predicting, connecting, summarising, monitoring and questioning, to expand topic knowledge and ideas, and begin to evaluate texts to build literal and inferred meanings <ul> <li>making connections between information in print, images and sound</li> <li>reading or listening for key topic-specific vocabulary words to build understanding</li> <li>reading or listening to interpret the main idea and supporting ideas</li> <li>identifying evidence and reasoning used by authors to support points or arguments</li> <li>applying self-monitoring strategies such as re-reading, pausing and questioning, and self-correction strategies such as confirming and cross-checking</li> <li>connecting the use of colours, images, symbols and patterns in texts by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors and illustrators</li> <li>evaluating an author’s use of evidence to support arguments</li> </ul>
VC2E5LY09

Use comprehension strategies, such as visualising, predicting, connecting, summarising, monitoring and questioning, to evaluate information and ideas to build literal and inferred meanings <ul> <li>summarising ideas and information to determine the main idea of a text</li> <li>using research skills, including identifying research purpose; locating texts; gathering and organising information; evaluating relative value; evaluating the accuracy and currency of print and digital sources; and summarising information from several sources</li> <li>comparing texts on the same topic to identify similarities and differences in the ideas or information included</li> </ul>

teaching resource

Finding the Central Idea Worksheet

Updated: 23 May 2023

Read a short article, answer 10 comprehension questions, and use the gathered knowledge to write a central idea sentence about the text.

Editable: Google Slides
Non-Editable: PDF
Pages: 1 Page
Years: 4 - 5

Read a short article, answer 10 comprehension questions, and use the gathered knowledge to write a central idea sentence about the text.

This is a 4-page worksheet in which students will read the included nonfiction article and answer 10 reading comprehension questions to demonstrate their understanding of the text. They then will then use information gathered through the comprehension questions to write a central idea sentence about the article.

Through completing this activity, students demonstrate an ability to determine the main idea of a nonfiction text and explain how it is supported by key details.

Finding the Main Idea: Worksheet Scaffolding & Extension Tips

In addition to individual student work time, use this central idea worksheet as a:

Post-lesson exit ticket
Homework assignment
Whole-class review (via smartboard)

Got fast finishers? Students who need a challenge can underline the information from each paragraph that led them to the correct answers to the questions. Ask them to write an explanation for the central idea sentence, citing why they think the sentence encompasses the central idea perfectly.

For students who need extra support: Before printing, go through each paragraph and, based on the answers to questions 1-9, underline keywords that would help the students choose the correct answer. Then stop to go over answers 1-9 before the students write their central idea sentence to make sure they are working with the correct information.

If needed, students could create the central idea sentence with a peer.

A Variety of Ways to Prepare This Resource

Because this resource includes an answer sheet, we recommend you print one copy of the entire file. Then, make photocopies of the blank worksheet for students to complete.

To save paper, we suggest printing this worksheet double-sided.

You can also turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity! Print a few copies on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a dry-erase marker, then erase and reuse.

Additionally, project the worksheet onto a screen and work through it as a class by having students record their answers in their notebooks.

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. An answer key is also included with this download.

This resource was created by Jennifer Hall, a Teach Starter Collaborator.

Curriculum

VC2E4LY09

Use comprehension strategies, such as visualising, predicting, connecting, summarising, monitoring and questioning, to expand topic knowledge and ideas, and begin to evaluate texts to build literal and inferred meanings <ul> <li>making connections between information in print, images and sound</li> <li>reading or listening for key topic-specific vocabulary words to build understanding</li> <li>reading or listening to interpret the main idea and supporting ideas</li> <li>identifying evidence and reasoning used by authors to support points or arguments</li> <li>applying self-monitoring strategies such as re-reading, pausing and questioning, and self-correction strategies such as confirming and cross-checking</li> <li>connecting the use of colours, images, symbols and patterns in texts by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors and illustrators</li> <li>evaluating an author’s use of evidence to support arguments</li> </ul>
VC2E5LY09

Use comprehension strategies, such as visualising, predicting, connecting, summarising, monitoring and questioning, to evaluate information and ideas to build literal and inferred meanings <ul> <li>summarising ideas and information to determine the main idea of a text</li> <li>using research skills, including identifying research purpose; locating texts; gathering and organising information; evaluating relative value; evaluating the accuracy and currency of print and digital sources; and summarising information from several sources</li> <li>comparing texts on the same topic to identify similarities and differences in the ideas or information included</li> </ul>

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