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Mr. A's Writing Tools
writingtools.org
Writing Assignment
The Amazing Elephant
Standard: Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text.
What to Do
Assignment OverviewLet's read about elephants — some of the smartest animals on Earth. Then you'll find the main idea of the passage and write a short summary in your own words. The Incredible Elephant
1
Elephants are the largest land animals on Earth, but their size is only one of the things that makes them remarkable. These gentle giants are also some of the smartest animals alive. Scientists have discovered that elephants can solve problems, use tools, and even recognize themselves in mirrors, something very few animals can do.
2
Elephants live in family groups led by the oldest female, called the matriarch. She uses her memory and experience to guide the herd to food and water, sometimes remembering paths she traveled many years ago. When a member of the herd is sick or hurt, other elephants will stay close and try to help. Baby elephants are raised by the whole family, not just their mothers.
3
Sadly, elephants face serious dangers. Hunters have killed many elephants for their ivory tusks. Farms and cities have spread into the land where elephants once roamed, leaving them with less space to find food. Conservation groups are working hard to protect elephants by creating safe areas called reserves and passing laws against hunting. Vocabulary Bank
Writing Steps
1
What Is This About?
After reading the passage, answer these questions:
1. Topic: What is this passage mostly about? (1-3 words) 2. Key details: List 3-5 important facts from the passage. You can use bullet points: - Detail 1: ... - Detail 2: ... - Detail 3: ... Read the passage carefully. Think about what it is mostly about.
The passage is about: elephants The topic is the subject of the passage - what the whole thing is about. You can usually say the topic in just a few words. As you read, also start noticing the key details - the most important facts the author tells you.
Scoring Guidance — Step 1
Look for:
Main Idea Detail / Evidence 1 Detail / Evidence 2 Detail / Evidence 3
2
Find the Main Idea
Write the first main idea you find in the passage.
1. Main Idea #1: Write one sentence that tells a big point the author makes. 2. Supporting details: List 2-3 details from the passage that support this main idea. Remember: A main idea is a complete sentence, not just a topic! A passage can have MORE THAN ONE main idea. Let's find the first one!
A main idea is a big point the author makes about the topic. It is NOT just the topic - it tells you something ABOUT the topic. Example: - Topic: Dogs - Main idea: Dogs help people in many ways, from guiding the blind to finding lost hikers. Look at the passage and your key details. What is ONE big point the author is making about elephants?
Scoring Guidance — Step 2
Look for:
A main idea is a complete sentence that makes a point
Look for details that go together - they probably support the same main idea
Ask yourself: What is one important thing the author wants me to learn?
Sentence Starters
In the text, the author shows that ___.
The author writes, "___," which shows ___.
This is important because ___.
Overall, the text shows that ___.
3
Find Key Details
Write the second main idea you find in the passage. It should be DIFFERENT from your first one.
1. Main Idea #2: Write one sentence that tells another big point the author makes. 2. Supporting details: List 2-3 details from the passage that support this second main idea. Check: Is this main idea different from your first one? Both should be about the same topic, but they should make different points. Great job finding the first main idea! Now let's find a SECOND one.
Remember, a passage can have two or more main ideas. The second main idea is a DIFFERENT big point the author makes. Look at the details you haven't used yet. What OTHER big point is the author making about elephants? What is the big point the author is making about elephants?
Scoring Guidance — Step 3
Look for:
Look at parts of the passage you haven't focused on yet
This should be a DIFFERENT point from your first main idea
Both main ideas are about the same topic, but they say different things about it
Sentence Starters
In the text, the author shows that ___.
The author writes, "___," which shows ___.
This is important because ___.
Overall, the text shows that ___.
4
How Details Support the Idea
Explain how the details in the passage support your two main ideas.
For Main Idea #1, explain: - How do the details help you understand this idea? What do they show? For Main Idea #2, explain: - How do the details help you understand this idea? What do they show? Try to explain the CONNECTION between the details and each main idea. Now let's think about HOW the key details support your two main ideas.
Authors use details to help readers understand the main ideas. Details can support a main idea by: - Giving examples that show the main idea is true - Providing facts or numbers that prove the point - Telling a story or event that shows the idea in action
Scoring Guidance — Step 4
Look for:
Use phrases like 'This detail supports the main idea because...
Think about WHY the author included each detail
Details can give examples, facts, or stories that prove the point
Sentence Starters
In the text, the author shows that ___.
The author writes, "___," which shows ___.
This is important because ___.
Overall, the text shows that ___.
5
Summarize the Text
Write a summary of the passage in 3-5 sentences.
Your summary should: 1. Mention BOTH main ideas 2. Include a few important supporting details 3. Use YOUR OWN WORDS (don't copy from the passage) 4. Leave out your opinions - just tell what the passage says Words to AVOID in your summary: - I think, I believe, I feel - This was interesting, cool, boring - You should, everyone needs to Now put it all together by writing a summary of the passage!
A summary: - Tells the main points in YOUR OWN WORDS - Is SHORTER than the original - Includes BOTH main ideas and some key details - Does NOT include your opinions Think of it like telling a friend what the passage was about - just the important stuff!
Scoring Guidance — Step 5
Look for:
Start by telling what the passage is mostly about
Include both of your main ideas
Add a few important details
Keep your opinions out - just report the facts
Sentence Starters
In the text, the author shows that ___.
The author writes, "___," which shows ___.
This is important because ___.
Overall, the text shows that ___.
Self-Check Rubric
Before You Turn InI completed the planning step
I completed Step 2: Find the Main Idea
I completed Step 3: Find Key Details
I completed Step 4: How Details Support the Idea
I completed Step 5: Summarize the Text
I re-read my writing and fixed any spelling or grammar mistakes
I am proud of this work
ReflectionWhat was the hardest part of this assignment? What would you do differently next time? Want the AI-coached version of this assignment?
Get step-by-step AI feedback on student writing — free for teachers at writingtools.org. Same assignment, with grade-level rubric scoring, revision coaching, and printable reports.
writingtools.org/printables/mainideas4_elephants_v1
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