Main Idea Match & Worksheets

This main idea match set includes the following:
- 20 main idea sets (with main idea sentence and four supporting detail sentences)
- answer key for main idea sets
- 3 individual assessment worksheets with answer keys

The main idea match cards can be used as a center activity for individual students or cooperative learning groups. Students work to sort the cards by topic and either identify the main idea sentence card (when included at the center) or develop their own main idea sentence (when main idea card is left out).

The main idea match cards can also be used as a whole group activity. Give each student a supporting detail sentence. Students move around the room to find similar cards and form groups by topic. Groups work together to write a main idea sentence for their supporting detail sentences.

The worksheets can be used to assess individual students on their ability to identify the main idea sentence in a paragraph, develop a main idea sentence when it is missing in a paragraph, and create supporting detail sentences when given a main idea sentence.

*Main idea can be a difficult concept for students. I've used these main idea match cards as a whole group activity with my fifth and sixth graders for a few years now. It's always been very effective, and the students find it quite enjoyable.