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Main idea and summarizing

Students practise identifying two main ideas and key details, then summarizing by answering questions about each paragraph. They use short reading passages and select best answers (main idea, whole-text summary, and supporting detail). Level: 5th grade.

By Edform · English language arts · Grade 5 · Published Oct 28, 2026 · New

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Questions

  1. Read the passage. Paragraph 1: In many neighborhoods, a community garden turns an unused lot into a place to grow food. People share small plots and grow vegetables such as tomatoes and beans. Fresh produce can be costly or hard to find, so gardens let families pick food close to home. Volunteers sometimes donate extra vegetables to a food pantry. Paragraph 2: Community gardens also help neighbors connect. Gardeners share tools and advice, and children learn how plants grow. People meet while wo
  2. Use the passage in Question 1. What is the main idea of paragraph 2?
  3. Use the passage in Question 1. Which is the best summary of the whole passage?
  4. Use the passage in Question 1. Which detail best supports the idea that community gardens help people get fresh food?
  5. Use the passage in Question 1. Choose the TWO details that support the main idea that community gardens help neighbors connect.
  6. Use the passage in Question 1. Where do volunteers sometimes donate extra vegetables? Answer in one or two words.
  7. Put these steps for writing a clear summary in a helpful order.
  8. Use the passage in Question 1. Match each detail to the main idea it supports.
  9. Use the passage in Question 1. Choose the detail that best completes the sentence.
  10. Use the passage in Question 1. Sort each statement into Main idea or Supporting detail.

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