Lesson 2: Important Details Competency Goal 2.01

Earth’s atmosphere extends 1,500 miles above the planet’s surface. The capital of North Carolina is Raleigh. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I have a Dream” speech in Washington, D.C., on August 28, The chemical formula for water is H2O. What do the following statements have in common?

They are all FACTS! Most stories are filled with facts (or details). These details are important because they support the main idea. Let’s read “Starship to Sirius” to help us understand the tips that are given in this lesson.

TIP #1: Important Details Connect details to the main idea to determine which details are important. To do this, you must first know what the main idea is.

TIP #2: Important Details The answers to detail questions are always given in the selection. No guess work here—nothing is implied! For these types of questions, you should be able to physically place your finger on the answer.

TIP #3: Important Details Use the selection to check your memory of details. We do not have perfect memories! As a rule, always check your answer by going back to the passage—mistakes can happen.

TIP #4: Important Details Scan the selection to find key words from the question. This will be easy IF you have already identified/underlined words as you were reading (remember: to help with main idea questions?)

TIP #5: Important Details Notice the order in which the events take place. Sometimes taking the time to create a time-line for events is beneficial. Note any reference to time, dates, or time of the year.

Let’s see how you do: Take out your homework and let’s discuss the main idea, important details, and the theme from “Mrs. Flowers”