Introduction to Multiple Central Ideas in a Text
Grade 7
Lesson Title:
Introduction to Multiple Central Ideas in a Text
Lesson Overview:
This is an introduction exercise to show students how to determine two or more central ideas in a text and
gather information about these ideas throughout the text. It is meant for 7 th grade English students.
Materials Needed:
 PowerPoint Lesson
 ELMO or Smart Board
 Highlighters (at least two colors)
 “Beach Erosion: The Problem and Solutions” Text
 Handout: “Identifying Central Ideas in a Text”
Instructional Focus:
 Determine two or more central ideas in a text and analyze their development over the course of the
text; provide an objective summary of the text.
 Identify the impact that humans have had on Earth, such as deforestation, urbanization, desertification,
erosion, air and water quality, and changing the flow of water.
 Describe and give examples of ways in which Earth’s surface is built up and torn down by physical and
chemical weathering, erosion, and deposition.
 Investigate how natural disasters have affected human life in Florida.
Explicit Instruction:
1. Explain to students exactly what a central idea in a text is and how you identify these ideas. Follow
PowerPoint slides.
2. Since this is their first exposure to identifying multiple central ideas in text, students will use a piece of
text that they have already read at least once. The text used here is “Beach Erosion: The Problem and
Solutions.” The text is enclosed.
3. Give students the handout “Identifying Central Ideas in a Text” once they understand what central
ideas are and how to identify these ideas.
4. Model the highlighting process as you demonstrate how to read the text and identify facts and
evidence that support each central idea.
5. Use the worksheet to guide students through highlighting the text.
6. Have students compile their evidence on each central idea in a T-chart on the worksheet.
7. Review details used to develop each central idea with the students.
8. Revisit the Essential Question for a quick review.
Modeled Instruction:
1. Use either an ELMO or a Smart Board to allow students to watch you think and model the process of
reading Paragraph 4, and using a highlighter to mark details about each central idea.
2. Discuss the possible answers as a whole class.
3. Students will follow along on their own worksheet.
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Guided Instruction:
 Whole class – Read the paragraph as students follow along, discuss what details should be highlighted,
and mark the details using the appropriately colored highlighter.
 Partners – Students will follow the same process to finish reading Paragraph 4 and 5 while highlighting
details that support each central idea in the appropriate color.
Independent Practice:
 Students will use the same process to complete reading the text and highlighting details.
 This activity can be extended (if time permits) by having students use the information in their T-Chart to
write a summary of the two central ideas.
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Copyright © 2014 by Write Score LLC