Main Topic & Key Details
Identify the main topic of a multi-paragraph informational text, determine the focus of specific paragraphs, and explain how key details support the main idea
Suggested ages 6–10
Learning journey
Your child is developing deeper reading skills — understanding how stories are structured, identifying main ideas in informational texts, comparing characters' perspectives, and recognising how different text features help organise information.
Evidence of understanding
- Identify the main topic of a multi-paragraph informational text and state the focus of individual paragraphs
- Describe how specific details and facts in the text support the main idea
- Explain how events, ideas, or steps in a text are connected (e.g. cause-effect, sequence, comparison)
Assessment prompt
When Main Topic & Key Details reads a multi-page article — like a school text about a historical event — can they tell you the main idea and then explain what each section was specifically about?
Standards alignment
RI.2.8
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 2
RI.3.2
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 3
RI.4.2
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 4