How does John Moir develop the central idea of “The Little Owls That Live Underground?”

In this lesson you will determine how a central idea is

developed by listing details that validate the author’s

central idea.

Let’s Review • Author is John Moir• Nonfiction

Informational Article• Moir uses facts,

anecdotes, and interviews to convey his message

Let’s Review

Good readers determine the central idea…

List details

Look for clear evidence that validates the central idea.

Core Lesson

Ask, “What is the central idea of the text?”1

2 Determine the 5Ws and the Funky H of the central idea

3 Ask, “Which details strengthen my central idea and how?”

Core Lesson

5Ws + 1H

Core Lesson What is the central idea?

The central idea is that burrowing owls are unique creatures, whose environment and livelihood can and should be protected.

Core Lesson Who?

• Jack Barclay --conservationist who bands owls

• Scientists and local residents

Core Lesson What?

• Abundant imperiled species

• Owls face relocation and habitat destruction

Core Lesson When?

• Written in 2010, making it a current problem

• Reference to 1989, it has clearly been ongoing

Core Lesson Where?• Can and do live

throughout North America• Frequently

competing with developers near airport runways, etc.

Core Lesson Why?

• Competing with developers for habitat• Owls face relocation

and habitat destruction.

Core Lesson How?

• Artificial burrows

• Coexistence at landfills, airports, and golf courses

• Just need developers to agree

Core Lesson

The central idea is that burrowing owls are unique creatures, whose environment and livelihood can and should be protected.

5Ws + 1H

Which details support my central idea?

Core Lesson Which details support my central idea?

The central idea is that burrowing owls are unique creatures, whose environment and livelihood can and should be protected.

Why?

What?

How?

Core Lesson How does John Moir develop the central idea in “The Little Owls That Live Underground?”

In “The Little Owls That Live Underground,” John Moir develops his central idea that burrowing owls can and should be saved by providing a wealth of diverse evidence. Moir argues that because the owls are imperiled we must take action to save them. He then gives his reader the reason why they should be saved—explaining that they are unique and interesting. Finally, Moir gives multiple perspectives on how the owls can be practically and easily saved.

Core Lesson

Ask, “What is the central idea of the text?1

2Determine the details that develop the central idea by finding the 5Ws and the funky H

3 Ask, “Which details develop my central idea and how?”

In this lesson you have determined how a central idea is developed by

listing details that validate the author’s central idea.