Benchmark, Grade 4, Unit 1, Lesson 2

1. Identify Key Details and Main
Idea

2. I will be able to:
Refer to details in a text when explaining what a text
says.
Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it
is supported by key details.
Make comments that contribute to the discussion
and link to the remarks of others.

3. Skillful readers preview and make predictions about
a text before they read it. We will skim and scan
“Solving Problems” by looking at the title, sidebar,
pie chart, and photos. We will use the information
gathered to ask questions prior to reading. We will
also use the information to make predictions about
the text’s genre and content.

4. Purpose: Read paragraphs 1-2 to find out how
government responds when a disaster strikes.
Annotate: Underline key details as you read. Star a
possible main idea.

5. Purpose: Read paragraphs 3-4 to find out how
government responds when there is a crisis.
Annotate: Underline key details as you read. Star a
possible main idea.

6. Remember, the main idea of each paragraph is
usually the important detail that supports the mian
idea of the whole text. The rest of the paragraph is
evidence that is not as important. For instance, you
wouldn’t include it in a summary.
What is an economic crisis? Is that a problem for
government to solve?
What was the result in the decline in shellfish?

7. Read the rest of “Solving Problems,” paragraphs 5-
6. Underline the key details that support the main
idea of the selection. Then write a summary of the
whole text on lined paper (from your binder’s blue
section) to hand in.