Summary Main Idea

Imagine this: Nora is reading a story about a protagonist who is brave and kind-hearted. Despite facing many challenges, this character always helps others and never gives up. Can you summarize this character for David and Benjamin in your own words?

• The protagonist was selfish and never helped anyone

• The protagonist is brave, kind-hearted, and always helps others despite facing difficulties.

• The protagonist was mean-spirited and never faced any difficulties

• The protagonist was weak and always gave up when facing difficulties

Answer explanation

The protagonist in the story is brave, kind-hearted, and always helps others despite facing difficulties.

Imagine this scenario: Aria, Mia, and Nora spent a day filled with laughter and joy. As the sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the horizon, they realized they had created memories that would last a lifetime. How would you summarize this passage?

• The passage describes a sunrise with a cool glow over the horizon. The day had been filled with tears and sadness, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

• The passage describes a warm and joyful sunset with Aria, Mia, and Nora, creating lasting memories.

• The passage describes a stormy weather, casting a dark glow over the horizon. The day had been filled with anger and sorrow, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

• The passage describes a cold and lonely sunset creating forgettable memories.

Answer explanation

The passage describes a warm and joyful sunset with Aria, Mia, and Nora, creating lasting memories.

Imagine this, Abigail, Daniel, and Benjamin: An old house stands at the end of your street, its windows boarded up and its garden overgrown. It seems to whisper secrets of the past. Can you summarize this scenario?

• The old house is located in the middle of the street and doesn't hold any secrets.

• The old house is a modern building with a well-maintained garden.

• The old house is abandoned and whispers many secrets of the past.

• The old house is a new construction with no history.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'The old house is abandoned and whispers many secrets of the past.' It accurately describes the scenario of an old house at the end of the street, boarded up windows, and an overgrown garden, suggesting it holds secrets from the past.

What is another way of saying "main idea" that is often seen on the SOL?

What is a summary?

• a short explanation of a text

• a persuasive argument about a text

• a movie based off of a book

• a theme or universal lesson

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 best summary of this passage is...

• Peter's favorite animals were the elephants.

• The camels were swatting flies with their tails.

•  It was really hot at the zoo.

• Peter didn't enjoy the zoo because he felt really bad.

Tomorrow is Jill's birthday. She is excited because she gets to pick where she will eat dinner. Will it be Mexican food at the Big Enchilada House? Or will it be fried chicken at the Chicken Shack, or a big cheeseburger at Al's Hamburger Palace. She just couldn't decide. Then there was always the Pizza Shop with that great pepperoni pizza. How would she ever decide? Maybe she would just flip a coin.
The best summary of this passage is:

• Jill has many restaurants to choose from for her birthday.

• Jill loves Mexican food.

• The Pizza Shop has the best pizza in town.

• Jill will choose a place by flipping a coin.

If you are feeling sad, you can make yourself feel better by doing a few simple things. You can take a walk (or get another form of exercise), you can talk to a friend, or you can write down your feelings. Writing down the good things in your life will help too. Doing something good for someone else will also help you feel better. If you still feel a little sad, act happy. It works like magic to make you feel better!

The main idea of this passage is:

• You should take a walk to feel better

• You should do good things for others

• We’re not always happy

• There are many ways to make yourself feel better

Hurricanes are large, intense storms that begin over the ocean, where they gather heat and energy from the water. Hurricanes move slowly toward land, usually moving 10-20 miles per hour for more than one week. The most dangerous part of the hurricane is the storm surge, when it reaches land and causes flooding. Wind and waves also contribute to the damage caused by these surges.

The main idea of this passage is:

• Hurricanes are dangerous storms.

• Hurricanes begin over the ocean.

• One type of storm is called a hurricane.

• Hurricanes are different from other storms.

What is the main idea?

• Floods can cause a lot of damage.

• Floods cause mudslides.

• Floods damage houses and roads.