This worksheet is best used as independent practice as part of your reading comprehension lesson.

This is a single-page worksheet in which students will read a short passage, and choose the main idea from a multiple choice list. They’ll then write a paragraph detailing the supporting evidence that helped them identify the main idea. 

Through this activity, students will work on retelling stories with key details while demonstrating a deep understanding of the central message of a text. 

Find the Main Idea in Literary Text Worksheet: Scaffolding and Extension Tips 

In addition to individual student work time, use this worksheet as a:

• Reading center activity
• Post-lesson exit ticket 
• Homework assignment
• Whole-class review (via smartboard)

Got fast finishers? Students who need a challenge can write their own short literary passages. Students should be able to identify the main idea of their passage and any story clues supporting it.

Support students struggling with the passage using the I read, you read, we read model with a teacher or peer tutor.

A Variety of Ways to Prepare This Resource

Because this resource includes an answer sheet, we recommend you print one copy of the entire file. Then, make photocopies of the blank worksheet for students to complete.  

You can also turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity! Print a few copies on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a dry-erase marker, then erase and reuse. 

Additionally, project the worksheet onto a screen and work through it as a class by having students record their answers in their notebooks.

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. An answer key is also included with this download.

This resource was created by Allie Kleijnjans, a teacher in Pennsylvania and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

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