CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.2
The Standard
Determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by key details; summarize the text.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Reading Standards for Informational Text
What This Standard Means
Students need to find more than one main idea in an informational text, not just pick a topic. They must match each main idea with details that prove it, then write or say a summary that is short, accurate, and in their own words.
Mastery looks like sorting details under the right main idea and leaving out small facts, opinions, and repeated examples. Students often get stuck by naming the topic as the main idea, copying whole sentences, or writing a summary that includes every detail in order.
Ways to Teach It
- Give students a short article, sticky notes, and two labeled columns to sort details under two main ideas.
- Ask students to write: What are two big points the author wants you to understand, and what proves each one?
- Use an exit ticket with one paragraph: write the main idea, two supporting details, and a ten-word summary.
- Show a kids news article and compare its main ideas to the headline, subheadings, and photo captions.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.2
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.2
Determine the main idea of a text; recount the key details and explain how they support the main idea.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.2
Determine two or more central ideas in a text and analyze their development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.2
Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.2
Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text.