Main Idea and Summarizing — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
The main idea of a paragraph about thunderstorms is that lightning is bright.
Corrected: The main idea of a paragraph about thunderstorms is that thunderstorms are powerful weather events with lightning, thunder, and heavy rain.
"Lightning is bright" is just one small detail about thunderstorms. The main idea should cover the whole topic, so the corrected sentence broadens it to include lightning, thunder, and heavy rain as parts of a powerful weather event.
2. Fix the sentence:
A summary should include your own opinion about whether the passage was interesting.
Corrected: A summary should include only the key facts and ideas from the passage, not your personal opinion.
A summary restates what the author wrote, not what you think about it. Adding your opinion changes the summary from a retelling into a review, which is a different kind of writing.
3. Fix the sentence:
An article about desert animals has the main idea that camels have long eyelashes.
Corrected: An article about desert animals has the main idea that desert animals have special features that help them survive in hot, dry conditions.
Camels having long eyelashes is only one example of a survival feature. The main idea should cover all desert animals and their adaptations, not just one detail about camels.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The topic of a passage is usually what every paragraph connects back to.
The answer is "topic." Every paragraph in a passage relates back to the same topic, so finding the topic helps you see what ties all the paragraphs together.
2. To paraphrase means to put someone else's idea into your own words.
The answer is "words." Paraphrasing means expressing someone else's idea using your own words instead of copying their exact language.
3. A heading at the top of a section gives you a clue about the main idea.
The answer is "clue." Headings preview what a section is about, so they act as clues that point you toward the main idea before you even read the details.
4. A conclusion sentence often restates the main idea at the end of a paragraph.
The answer is "restates." A conclusion sentence repeats the main idea in different words so the reader remembers the most important point.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Why is paraphrasing important when you write a summary?
Sample answer: Paraphrasing is important because it shows you understand the text and are not just copying the author's exact words.
Paraphrasing proves you actually understand the text because you have to think about the meaning and rewrite it, rather than just copying words you may not fully grasp.
2. How can headings and subheadings help you find the main idea of a long article?
Sample answer: Headings and subheadings tell you what each section is about, so you can see the big topics and figure out the overall main idea.
Headings and subheadings break a long article into labeled sections, so you can quickly see what big topics the author covers and use those to figure out the overall main idea.