Standard
#2
Determine a central idea of
a text and analyze its
development over the
course of the text, including
how it emerges and is
shaped and refined by
specific details; provide an
objective summary of the
text.
Learning Targets
• Identify the difference between a topic and a
central idea.
• Determine the central idea of a text.
• State the central idea in a phrase or complete
sentence.
• Trace the development of the central idea over the
course of the text (through supporting
ideas/details).
• Determine the difference between objective and
subjective.
• Use key details to produce an objective summary of
a text. (NO OPINIONS)
What the Standard looks like in
History/Social Studies
Determine the central ideas
or information of a primary or
secondary source; provide
an accurate summary of
how key events or ideas
develop over the course of
the text.
What the Standard looks like in
Science and Technical Subjects
Determine the central ideas or
conclusions of a text; trace the
text's explanation or depiction
of a complex process,
phenomenon, or concept;
provide an accurate summary
of the text.
Central Idea
AKA “Main Idea” – the idea on
which the text focuses;
supported by evidence, claims,
statistics, research, quotes, etc.
(think also “theme” or “moral of
the story” in literature)
Central Idea
(First, draw some inferences. Then, determine the
central idea the photographer means to convey)
Central Idea
(First, draw some inferences. Then, determine the
central idea the photographer means to convey)
Central Idea
Objective Summary
Concise statement
addressing the central
idea and key points of a
text; free of opinion
(differs from a critique
which incorporates
opinion and judgment)
Summary Frame
In the article entitled __________, written
by __________, the central idea is
__________. One fact or example that
the author includes to support the
central idea is __________. Another fact
or example that provides support is
__________. In addition, __________.
Finally, __________ points out that
__________.
Charting the Text
Charting a text provides a
starting point for writing a
summary. The reader must
determine both the function of
each paragraph (what is does
in the text) and the content of
each paragraph (what is says
about the topic).
Some Suggestions. . .
• “Chart the Text” or annotate
before writing the summary.
• Use the Summary Frame
(remember it’s a starting point, not
the end product).
• Allow students to write a critique
only after they have produced an
objective summary.
thanks y’all