How Do You Know?

Choosing Facts #8

Worksheet Description

The “Relevant Facts” worksheet is a focused activity for identifying and justifying the relevance of information in relation to the main idea of a text. The sheet prompts students to read a text and then distill the essential facts that support the central concept. Students are required to state what they believe is the main idea at the top of the page, followed by two-columned sections where they list each relevant fact and explain their reasoning for its relevance. This exercise is designed to enhance comprehension by ensuring that students can not only spot important information but also articulate why it is important.

The worksheet is intended to teach students the skill of critical reading with an emphasis on the extraction and justification of relevant information. It encourages them to actively engage with the text, discerning which details support the main idea and why they are significant. This process aids in developing their reasoning and analytical thinking skills, which are crucial for academic success. The worksheet also prepares students for tasks such as writing research papers and essays, where identifying and citing relevant support for their arguments is essential.