English as a Second Language — Grade 6

Skim for the Main Idea

Find the general idea in each text

Name

Date

Skim each short text and write what it is mostly about.

1
The school garden has tomatoes, beans, and herbs. Students water the plants each morning. In June, they pick the food and share it at lunch. What is this text mostly about?
2
Bring a reusable water bottle to school. You can fill it at the fountains near the gym and the library. What is this text mostly about?
3
Do you like drawing or painting? Join the art club after school on Tuesdays. You can make a poster, try new materials, and work with other students. What is this text mostly about?

Skim each text and choose the phrase that best completes its summary.

Word bank

a class field triphelping new studentsa healthy snack

4
The class will visit the science museum. Students will see a planet show and try a simple experiment. This text is mainly about .
5
An apple, yogurt, or a small sandwich can give you energy at school. Water is a good drink to have with it. This text is mainly about .
6
New students can ask a buddy to show them the library, the gym, and the lunch room. Buddies can also answer questions during the first week. This text is mainly about .

Skim each text and choose the title that best matches its main idea.

7
The library has books about animals, sports, and space. Students can borrow two books each week. Choose the best title.
ABooks to Borrow at School
BThe School Basketball Team
CA Trip to Space
8
At lunch, students can put empty cans and clean paper in the blue bins. The school team sorts the items every Friday. Choose the best title.
AHow Our School Recycles
BWhat Students Eat for Lunch
CThe Friday Art Club
9
Maya feels nervous about speaking English in class. Her partner listens and gives her time to finish. They practise one short conversation each day. Choose the best title.
APractising English with a Partner
BMaya’s Favourite School Subject
CA New Class Schedule

Challenge

Skim both texts and choose the statement that best gives their shared main idea.

Text A: At school, students choose a book each week. They read for 15 minutes each day and tell a partner about a part they liked. Text B: On Saturday, families can bring a book and take a different one home. The event helps neighbours share stories and find new books to read. Which statement best gives the shared main idea of both texts?
ABoth texts show ways to help people read and share books.
BBoth texts explain how to keep books clean.
CBoth texts tell students to visit the school library on Saturday.