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Finding the Main Idea

English reading for a Grade/Year 7 or 8 classroom, with reading, subject language, speaking and writing.

Grade/Year 7 & 845–60 minutesPrintable

Teacher lesson: Read the short text aloud and model the first task. Students can plan in a language they know well before speaking or writing in English. Use all twelve panels or adjust the pace for your learners.

Teacher Answers Back to Teacher Lessons

1Reading

Students choose books at a school library book exchange — Illustration: The book exchange.

Before you read:

Look at the title. What do you know about English reading? Tell a partner one idea.

The school library has started a book exchange. Students may bring a book they have finished and choose another one to take home. The exchange happens every Thursday at lunchtime. The librarian hopes it will give books a second life and help students discover new authors. Students do not have to bring a book to look at the display, but they need to bring one if they want to take another home. A group of Year 8 students made signs and sorted books into fiction and nonfiction. More students visited the library in the first week than the librarian expected.

2Vocabulary

Words: exchange · fiction · nonfiction

Write a short meaning or example. You may use a language you know well first.

exchange –

fiction –

nonfiction –

3Comprehension

4Language Focus

Use these sentence starters. Change the words to fit your idea.

The main idea is .

One detail that supports this is .

Write one sentence of your own.

5Listen and Note

Listen as your teacher reads the text again. Note two key ideas or facts.

First idea:

Second idea:

Compare your notes with a partner.

6Speaking

Explain the main idea to a partner in one sentence, then give one supporting detail.

Use a sentence starter from panel 4. Ask your partner one follow-up question.

Useful questions: “Could you explain that?” “Why do you think so?”

7Try It

Use this skill: How might you use English reading in another lesson or everyday situation? Give one example and explain it to a partner.

Draw a quick plan or write three key words before you speak.

8Writing

Write a main-idea sentence and two details from the reading.

Plan in a language you know well if it helps. Then write your answer in English.

9Word Study

Choose the correct words from this lesson’s reading.

Word bank: exchange · nonfiction

A book lets you choose another book. tells us about real information.

10Sentence Builder

Put these words in the right order. Check the capital letter and punctuation.

the book exchange / When / is / ?

11School English

You want to take a book from the exchange. Ask about the rule.

Write a polite question or response you could use at school. Then say it to a partner.

12Exit Reflection ✓

Take a few minutes to reflect.

1. One useful word I learnt in this lesson:

2. One thing I can do in class:

3. One question I still have: