English // Reading Comprehension

Main Topic & Key Details

Identify the main topic of a multi-paragraph informational text, determine the focus of specific paragraphs, and explain how key details support the main idea

Ages
6 to 10
Type
Method
Builds on
1 topic
Leads to
2 topics
Standards
4 codes

Quick check

When the learner reads a multi-page article — like a school text about a historical event — can they tell you the main idea and then explain what each section was specifically about?

Ask this to see whether the topic is secure.

Topic // Mastery

What mastery looks like

What a learner can do once this topic is secure.
  • Identify the main topic of a multi-paragraph informational text and state the focus of individual paragraphs
  • Describe how specific details and facts in the text support the main idea
  • Explain how events, ideas, or steps in a text are connected (e.g. cause-effect, sequence, comparison)

Topic // Map

Where this fits

What to learn first and what this topic opens up, with the reason for each link. Required links come first.
  • RequiredMust come first
  • HelpfulHelps, but not essential

Before this

1 topic
  • Main Topic of Informational TextsRequired

    Reading Comprehension // Ages 5 to 7

    Multi-paragraph main idea analysis builds on identifying main topic and key details in simpler texts

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Main Topic & Key Details

Ages 6 to 10 // Method

Leads to

2 topics
  • Connecting Ideas in TextsRequired

    Reading Comprehension // Ages 8 to 9

    Identifying logical connections between paragraphs builds on multi-paragraph main idea work

  • Evidence-Based WritingRequired

    Writing Composition // Ages 9 to 11

    Drawing evidence from informational texts requires the ability to identify main ideas across paragraphs

Topic // Standards

Curriculum standards

Codes for the curriculum statements this topic maps to. Each publisher owns its standard text.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
RI.2.2RI.2.8RI.3.2RI.4.2

English // Reading Comprehension

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