Question

when you give a summary of informational text, you briefly restate in your own words the text’s central idea and its most important details.
read the text below. after you read it, locate and underline its central idea.

the emerald ash borer (eab) is an invasive pest that is threatening ash trees in the eastern united states. native to parts of asia, eabs were likely brought to the united states in the wood of shipping crates or packing material used in international shipping. the insect was identified in 2002 by scientists in michigan who were investigating the widespread death of native ash trees. eab larvae live under the bark of ash trees and feed on the trunk, cutting off the flow of water and nutrients that the tree needs to live.

now complete the chart below. it will help you figure out the most important details to include in a summary of the text.

chart with columns: important detail, important detail, important detail; rows with blanks and a summary row

a summary should state only what the text says, not the reader’s opinions (personal ideas).
read this draft of a summary about the emerald ash borer. cross out any opinions.

the emerald ash borer is an annoying pest that destroys ash trees by feeding on their trunks. the eab came from asia, probably in shipping crates, and i wish they would go back there!

when summarizing a text, put its central idea and most important details in your own words. this is a great way to make sure you understand what you’re reading!

Explanation:

To complete the chart:

1. First blank (origin of EAB): The text says "Native to parts of Asia", so fill "Asia".
2. Second blank (what EAB larvae cut off): The text states "cutting off the flow of water and nutrients", so fill "flow of water and nutrients".
3. Third blank (effect of EAB feeding): The text mentions "widespread death of native ash trees", so fill "the widespread death of native ash trees".

For the draft summary, the opinions are "annoying" (subjective judgment) and "I wish they would go back there!" (personal wish), so cross those out. The objective summary should be based on the text's facts: The emerald ash borer is an insect that came to the United States from Asia. When the larvae of this insect feed on ash trees, they cut off the trees’ water and nutrients, killing them.

Answer:

Chart Completion:

• First "Important Detail" blank: Asia
• Second "Important Detail" blank: flow of water and nutrients
• Third "Important Detail" blank: the widespread death of native ash trees

Draft Summary Opinion Removal:

Cross out "annoying" and "I wish they would go back there!". The objective summary (after removing opinions) is: The emerald ash borer is an insect that came to the United States from Asia. When the larvae of this insect feed on ash trees, they cut off the trees’ water and nutrients, killing them.