Main Idea And Supporting Details Worksheets 3Rd Grade - Free Printable

Let's solve this "Main Idea & Details" worksheet step by step.

---

Step 1: Read the Paragraph Carefully

Paragraph:
> Thunderstorms are dangerous. Every thunderstorm contains lightning, and lightning kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes! Do you know what to do to remain safe during a thunderstorm? First, go inside a sturdy building or a vehicle and close the windows. Furthermore, the National Weather Service recommends that you stay inside for at least thirty minutes after the last rumble of thunder is heard. Do not use telephones or electrical equipment. Avoid taking showers or baths. If you are unable to get safely inside a building, avoid taking cover beneath tall, isolated trees. Also avoid water, high ground, and metal objects. Knowing what to do (and what *not* to do) during a thunderstorm could save your life.

---

Step 2: Identify the Main Idea

The main idea is the central message or most important point the author wants to convey.

- The paragraph starts by stating that thunderstorms are dangerous, especially because of lightning.
- Then it gives safety tips to stay safe during a thunderstorm.
- The final sentence says: *"Knowing what to do (and what not to do) during a thunderstorm could save your life."*

➡️ So, the main idea is:
> It is important to know how to stay safe during a thunderstorm.

Or more simply:
> Thunderstorms are dangerous, so it's important to follow safety rules to protect yourself.

We’ll write this in the cone (bottom part).

---

Step 3: Identify Three Most Important Details

Details support the main idea. We need to pick the three most important ones from the paragraph.

Let’s list the key safety points:

1. Go inside a sturdy building or vehicle and close the windows.
2. Stay inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder.
3. Do not use telephones or electrical equipment.
4. Avoid showers or baths.
5. Avoid tall, isolated trees if outside.
6. Avoid water, high ground, and metal objects.

Now, pick the three most important ones — those that are essential for survival.

✔ Top 3 Important Details:

1. Go inside a sturdy building or vehicle and close the windows.
→ This is the first and most crucial step to protect yourself.

2. Stay inside for at least thirty minutes after the last rumble of thunder.
→ This prevents people from going out too soon when danger still exists.

3. Avoid using telephones, electrical equipment, showers, baths, water, high ground, and metal objects.
→ These are all specific dangers; we can combine them into one detail since they’re all about avoiding conductors of electricity.

But since we need three separate details, let’s split them logically:

- Detail 1: Go inside a sturdy building or vehicle and close the windows.
- Detail 2: Stay inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder.
- Detail 3: Avoid water, electrical devices, and metal objects (including showers, phones, and open areas).

So, the three most important details are:

1. Seek shelter in a sturdy building or vehicle and close the windows.
2. Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder.
3. Avoid water, electrical equipment, metal objects, and high ground.

These are the top safety actions recommended.

---

✔ Final Answer

Main Idea (in the cone):
👉 Thunderstorms are dangerous, so it's important to know how to stay safe.

Details (on the scoops):

1. Go inside a sturdy building or vehicle and close the windows.
2. Stay inside for at least thirty minutes after the last thunder.
3. Avoid water, electrical equipment, metal objects, and high ground.

---

📝 Summary:

| Scoop | Detail |
|------|--------|
| Top | Go inside a sturdy building or vehicle and close the windows. |
| Middle | Stay inside for at least thirty minutes after the last thunder. |
| Bottom | Avoid water, electrical equipment, metal objects, and high ground. |

Cone (Main Idea):
Thunderstorms are dangerous, so knowing how to stay safe can save your life.

---

This completes the worksheet correctly and clearly!