Shrink up a section by asking pupils to write down the main idea for each of seven paragraphs. There is a space provided for each main idea. When students have completed this portion, they write down what they think to be the central idea of the passage as a whole. Use this with any informational text.

Concepts

main ideas, central ideas, key details, details

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Additional Tags

main idea, central idea, analyze development, key details, key idea, section shrink, english language arts

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Pros

• Encourages learners to pay attention to each paragraph in a text and then evaluate the set of ideas to come up with an overarching idea
• This could also be used to help your class members move toward writing a summary

Cons

• The sheet only allows for seven paragraphs; you can make extra copies, but it is not very efficient
• Some may need additional scaffolding, especially with composing their final statement

Common Core

RI.5.2 RI.6.2 RI.7.2 RI.8.2 RI.9-10.2