Writing a Summary Worksheet
A free, printable summary writing worksheet for 4th and 5th grade. Your child reads an article, picks the main idea and key details and writes a summary. Answer key included.
What's inside
- Page 1: a short article, then main idea and key details.
- Page 2: write the summary using the frame.
- Page 3: answer key.
How to use it
- Teach or review the rule first with the writing a summary lesson. It takes about 10 minutes.
- Read the directions for each part out loud. Early readers can point while you read.
- Check Part A together before your child goes on, so any confusion gets fixed early.
- Use the answer key on the last page.
Prints on US Letter paper (8.5 × 11 in). No sign-up needed.
Tips for doing it together
- Keep it short. One page a day is plenty for most young children, and two short sessions beat one long one.
- Let your child read each sentence out loud before answering. Many mistakes get caught by ear.
- Mark a mistake with a small dot instead of an X, and let your child find and fix it. That's where the learning happens.
What your child is practicing
A summary gives the main idea and key details in your own words, much shorter than the original, with no opinions. The frame starts with the title and main idea.
Practice online
After the worksheet, the 10-question writing a summary quiz gives instant feedback and reads each question aloud. For a game, try Word Slash.
More writing worksheets
- Editing and revising worksheet (2nd–5th grade)
- Descriptive writing worksheet (2nd–4th grade)
- Topic sentences worksheet (3rd–4th grade)
- Transition words worksheet (3rd–5th grade)
Practice with a game
Free, no sign-up, and they work on phones, tablets and computers.
Story Order Train
Main Idea MachineLast reviewed: November 11, 2026