Summarize

Explain Write the following on the board without the underlining: Spider silk, the stuff spiders use for webs, is remarkable material. It is amazingly strong but stretchable. Scientists are trying to make artificial spider silk. One day it may be used in everyday objects. Read the text with students. Tell them that they will identify key phrases to help them create a summary.

Guided Practice Ask: What key words and phrases help form a summary? After underlining the phrases, say, A good summary would be the following: Spider silk is strong but stretchable. Artificial spider silk may be used in everyday objects one day.

Practice Write the following on the board without the underlining: Some of the largest trees in the United States are in Sequoia National Park. This park is located in California. No one can cut down these trees. They are protected by law. That way many visitors every year can enjoy these giant trees. Have students underline key phrases and then write a summary for the passage.