This worksheet challenges students to identify the main idea of three distinct passages and write a summary sentence and title for each.

Here is the completed worksheet with summaries and appropriate titles for each passage, following the directions to explain the main idea clearly and specifically.

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Passage 1 Summary:

Rodeo clowns perform a dangerous but essential role by distracting bulls after riders dismount or are thrown, acting as a sacrificial target to protect the riders — proving that clowning in rodeos is not just entertainment but life-saving, high-risk work.

An appropriate title:
*The Dangerous Job of Rodeo Clowns*

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Passage 2 Summary:

Although wolverines are small (under 50 lbs), they are known for their ferocity because they steal prey from larger predators like wolves and bears, which leads to frequent fights — making their aggressive scavenging behavior the reason behind their fearsome reputation.

An appropriate title:
*Why Wolverines Fight: The Scavenger’s Survival Strategy*

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Passage 3 Summary:

In December 1891, Dr. James Naismith invented basketball at the YMCA College in Springfield, Massachusetts, as a way to keep students active indoors during rain, using peach baskets and simple rules — and though it evolved (e.g., removing basket bottoms, adding dribbling), it became one of America’s most popular sports.

An appropriate title:
*The Accidental Invention of Basketball*

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✔ Note for the student: Each summary captures the *main idea* by answering “What is the author doing?” — explaining the purpose or central point of the paragraph. The titles reflect the core subject and key takeaway, helping readers instantly understand what the passage is about.