Main Idea, Details, and Author's Purpose
Start Here
- Today you will read a true article and answer questions with a pencil.
- You do not need a computer. Work by yourself and do your best.
- Every answer is in the article. You can look back as many times as you want.
- You may read the article out loud, quietly, to yourself.
- If a question is hard, skip it and come back later.
Start Look & Predict 5 min
Look only at the title before you read.
1The article is called "Octopuses: Smart Ocean Helpers." From the title, write one thing you predict the article will teach you.
2The main idea is the most important point the whole article is about. Name one animal you already know something about, and write one fact you know.
Build Read the Article 10 min
Words to know (from the article)
- ocean
- the big body of salt water where octopuses live.
- tentacle
- one of the eight long arms of an octopus.
- predator
- an animal that hunts other animals for food.
- camouflage
- a way of hiding by changing color to match what is around you.
"Octopuses: Smart Ocean Helpers" — an original article
[1] The octopus is one of the smartest animals in the ocean. It has a soft body, no bones, and eight long arms called tentacles. Even though it looks strange, the octopus is very clever. Scientists say it can solve puzzles that stump many other animals.
[2] An octopus is a great problem solver. In one test, a scientist put a tasty crab inside a jar with a lid. The octopus felt the lid with its arms, twisted it open, and pulled the crab out. Some octopuses have even learned to open jars from the outside and the inside. That takes a lot of brainpower for an animal with no bones.
[3] The octopus is also very good at hiding. Its skin can change color in less than a second. It uses this camouflage to match rocks, sand, or coral. Hiding helps the octopus stay safe from a hungry predator, like a shark or an eel. It can also squeeze its soft body into a space as small as a coin to escape danger.
[4] Octopuses even use tools, which not many animals do. Some carry empty coconut shells across the ocean floor. When danger comes, they climb inside the shells and hide, like moving into a little house. Using an object to stay safe is a sign of a smart mind.
[5] From solving puzzles to changing color to carrying shells, the octopus shows how clever ocean animals can be. The next time you think of a smart animal, do not forget the eight-armed octopus. It may be one of the cleverest creatures under the sea.
3In paragraph [1], what does the article say the octopus is one of? Use a detail from the article.
Apply Read Closely 15 min
Every answer is in the article. Look back before you write.
4Main idea. What is the most important point of the whole article? Write it as one sentence.
5Supporting details. Write two details from the article that show the octopus is smart. Add the paragraph number for each.
6Author's purpose. Did the author write this article to inform (teach facts), persuade (make you agree), or entertain (tell a fun story)? Circle one and give a reason from the article.
Circle one: inform · persuade · entertain
My reason:
7Which detail best supports the main idea? Fill in the circle for ONE choice.
- The octopus has a soft body and no bones.
- The octopus twisted open a jar lid to get the crab inside.
- The octopus lives in the ocean.
- A shark or an eel can be a predator.
7b. In one sentence, tell why that detail best shows the main idea.
Explain Write Your Main Idea & Summary 10 min
Question 8. Write the main idea in one sentence. Then write a 3 to 4 sentence summary of the article using details. A summary tells the most important parts — you do not need every little thing.
You may start your sentences with: "The main idea is…" · "One way…" · "Another way…" · "Also,…" · "These details show…"
How do your details show the main idea?
Close ACE Wrap-Up 5 min
Say the main idea of the article in your own words, in one sentence.
Name one paragraph that helps show the main idea.
What is one new thing you learned about octopuses? Write one sentence.
Continue Early Finisher optional · ~15 min
Write a new title for the article on the back of this page. Your new title should fit the main idea. Then write one sentence telling why your title fits.