2.12 To identify the main point

English first additional language

Grade 6

Module 23

To identify the main point

Activity 1:

To identify the main point

[lo 3.3.3]

When we read an article/paragraph or even a story, it is essential that we are able to pick out the main point or points that the author is trying to get across. We are going to practise this skill now by reading the following paragraphs and then underlining the correct main idea from the given choices.

Did you ever go fishing with fish worms for bait? These worms are also called earthworms. They live in moist, warm dirt almost everywhere. They cut tunnels that crisscross through the top layers of the soil. These wriggling, sightless creatures live on dead plant material they find in the earth. The channels they dig and travel through allow air to enter the soil. This air is very helpful to the growth of plants. The earthworm's use of the decaying plant material also helps living plants to grow because it fertilizes the soil. In addition to all these good things, the earthworm is also a valuable source of food for birds.

• Earthworms are very valuable creatures in several different ways.
• The earthworm's diet is mainly dead plant material.
• Earthworms can be found in the top layers of the soil.
• Earthworms cannot see well.

Mother leopards usually have two babies at a time. The babies are called cubs. The cubs are hidden in bushes for the first few weeks of their lives. The mother puts them there so that hunting animals wouldn't find them. Cubs are much safer when they are old enough to climb trees. The cubs can leave their mother when they are one year old. By that age they have learned how to catch their own food. The cubs often visit their mother while they are growing up. A cub and its mother greet each other by rubbing cheeks. The visiting continues until the cubs are two years old. Then they leave home for good.

This paragraph is about:

1. how leopards greet each other
2. how leopards grow up
3. why leopard cubs hide in bushes
4. how many cubs leopards have

Now that you have identified the main idea of the paragraph, think of an original title for each piece.

Assessment

Memorandum

This activity allows learners to practise the skill of identifying the main point in a passage. There are two passages provided. Read through the passage with the class before beginning the exercise. The learners must then underline the main point from the given options. The learners must also think of an appropriate title for each passage.

Answer for passage 1:

• Earthworms are very valuable creatures in several different ways.
• The earthworm's diet is mainly dead plant material.
• Earthworms can be found in the top layers of the soil.
• Earthworms cannot see well.

Answer for passage 2:

1. How leopards greet each other.
2. How leopards grow up.
3. Why leopard cubs hide in bushes.
4. How many cubs leopards have

The Educators Assessment Chart will help with your assessment of this activity.