Identify a Central Idea and Write a Summary

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In this 40-minute reading lesson, you will distinguish a topic from a central idea, state a central idea supported across a short passage, and write a concise, accurate 2–3 sentence summary with at least two key details and no added opinion.

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Who it is for

Grade 6 ELA

Preparation

About 5 minutes.

Teaching time

About 40 minutes. Planned sequence of 4 minutes opening, 5 minutes strategy, 8 minutes modeling, 9 minutes guided practice, 10 minutes independent response and 4 minutes closure; estimated, not classroom-timed.

Teacher guidance

Separate teacher files include completed examples or answer and scoring guidance.

Materials

• This lesson in print or editable form
• Pencil; a highlighter is optional.
• Board or display for the modeled think-aloud; optional.

Download the complete resource

• Learner copy — Editable Word file (38 KB)
• Learner copy — Printable PDF (52 KB)
• Teacher guide and answer key — Editable Word file (41 KB)
• Teacher guide and answer key — Printable PDF (85 KB)

Keep teacher guidance and answers separate from student copies. Word files contain editable text; the PDF files are ready to print.

Support and adaptation

• Before writing, you may plan on the organizer after the independent task. It has space for the topic, whole-passage point, two details, a central-idea sentence and a short summary. Use evidence from the passage. The organizer does not give the answer or choose details; write your finished response in the lines on the task page, using a separate sheet if needed.
• A read-aloud, text-to-speech, enlarged text, chunked paragraphs or added processing time may support access. Record the support used when the result is interpreted; the objective does not assess independent decoding. Confirm individual needs locally.

Extension

• On a separate sheet, write a new title that captures the central idea and explain which two details support it. Review your summary: remove any detail that does not support the idea. If all its details fit, choose one passage detail to leave out and explain why it is less important. Use only the passage.

Preview

Review and use

Version 0.2.5. Independent AI release review passed. Review included a blind task or tool check, a separate instructional audit and file checks. This is not a claim of classroom testing or human certification.

Timing is estimated. Assistive-technology, Microsoft Word and Google Docs testing has not been completed. Use the editable files to adapt the resource to your learners and local curriculum.

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