Central Idea Supporting Details and Objective Summary English

Central Idea, Supporting Details, and Objective Summary English 7

Part One: I can determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text including its relationship to supporting ideas… • Key Vocabulary • DETERMINE: Decide, figure out • CENTRAL IDEA: The chief point an author is making about a topic; the author’s primary message. Sometimes the central idea is stated, but sometimes it must be inferred. • ANALYZE: Study closely; break down into key parts • DEVELOPMENT: The building of an idea/ideas throughout a text. • RELATIONSHIP: A connection between two or more ideas, events, individuals, etc. • SUPPORTING IDEAS: Facts, statements, specifics, and examples that clarify, explain, and describe the central idea.

Part One: I can determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text including its relationship to supporting ideas… • To “determine a central idea” of a text means to figure out the author’s main point or message about a topic. • Examine the title and any blurbs included before the body of the text • Pay close attention to the opening and closing paragraphs • What is the topic? • Why has the author written about the topic (purpose —inform, entertain, persuade)? • What point or points has the author made about the topic?

Part One: I can determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text including its relationship to supporting ideas… • When you “analyze its [a central idea’s] development over the course of the text including its relationship to supporting ideas” you closely study how the author has built his or her main point/primary message. You find examples in the text that help the author emphasize his or her main point about a topic. • Look at the body paragraphs of the text. • What examples is the author using to make his or her point? • Think about the who, what, when, where, why, and how about the topic.

Part Two: [I can] provide an objective summary of the text. • To “provide an objective summary, ” you must… • Determine the central idea • Find important details that the author uses to develop the central idea and communicate them in your own words • Be clear, concise, and brief • Leave out minor details and your own personal opinion

Writing an objective summary • Step One--Topic Sentence • Name It: a. Identify the title of the text and the author. b. Use one of the following summary verbs: shows, describes, explains, discusses, explores, illustrates, teaches, etc. c. Communicate the author’s central idea. • Step Two—Essential/Key Ideas • Pick 1 -2 supporting details from the beginning, middle, and end of the text to show the author develops the central idea. • USE YOUR OWN WORDS. • Step Three—Concluding Sentence • Wrap up the objective summary.