See free Year 3 summarising a text worked examples with clear strategies and answers, aligned to the England primary curriculum.
Model the thinking
Four worked examples
Try each question first, then compare the strategy and answer. The aim is to understand the method, not just copy the final result.
1
Main idea
Read: 'Bees collect nectar from flowers. They carry it back to the hive, where it is made into honey.' What is the main idea?
How to think about it: Read the prompt once for meaning and a second time to find the clue that supports the answer. Use the exact word, phrase or event from the text when the question asks for evidence.
Show answer
Answer: How bees collect nectar and make honey.
2
Key detail
Write one important detail from the passage.
How to think about it: Read the prompt once for meaning and a second time to find the clue that supports the answer. Use the exact word, phrase or event from the text when the question asks for evidence.
Show answer
Answer: Bees collect nectar / carry it to hive / it becomes honey.
3
Remove detail
Which detail is least important in a summary: 'bees collect nectar' or 'flowers can be many colours'?
How to think about it: Read the prompt once for meaning and a second time to find the clue that supports the answer. Use the exact word, phrase or event from the text when the question asks for evidence.
Show answer
Answer: flowers can be many colours
4
One sentence
Summarise the bee passage in one sentence.
How to think about it: Read the prompt once for meaning and a second time to find the clue that supports the answer. Use the exact word, phrase or event from the text when the question asks for evidence.
Show answer
Answer: Bees collect nectar and take it to the hive to make honey.
Next step
Turn the explanation into practice
Use the printable for independent work, or return to the topic overview to choose another way to practise.