Practice - Macmillan/McGraw-Hill

© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Name
The main idea is the major, or most important, point of a story.
The supporting details are facts and information that reinforce the
main idea. When you summarize a story, you briefly tell the main
idea and at least one strong supporting detail in your own words.
A. Read the paragraphs below. Then write the main idea and one
detail on the lines provided.
Practice
Comprehension:
Main Idea and Details
Maya Lin is an architect who has designed several important monuments
and memorials in the United States. She has a special talent for creating
spaces that touch people’s emotions. Lin’s works honor people who were part
of history.
Lin’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall has become the most visited
monument in Washington, D.C. The memorial is a large black granite wall
with names carved into the stone. Not everyone liked the memorial at fi rst.
However, it eventually helped many veterans and their families by honoring
those who served.
Main idea:
Detail:
B. Now summarize the entire passage. Use the main idea and
details of the paragraphs in your summary.
Summary:
At Home: Read a book, magazine, or newspaper. Take
turns fi nding the main idea and details in the paragraphs or
stories that you read.
Maya Lin • Grade 5/Unit 2
53