Eliminate Irrelevant Details in Text…and Build Better Writers 

 “What Doesn’t Fit? is a short, fun and engaging resource that teaches students to think critically and develop their communication skills by determining if information is relevant or irrelevant.

Students will learn not only how to determine which details are relevant but also how to use these details appropriately in writing sentences that are relevant to a topic. Students will practice using critical thinking skills such as 

• analyzing
• synthesizing
• evaluating 
• reasoning 

This versatile resource can be used across the curriculum at the elementary level to provide practice in: critical thinking, reading comprehension and writing

Easily Download & Print

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. 

Because this resource includes an answer sheet, we recommend you print one copy of the entire file. Then, make photocopies of the blank worksheet for students to complete. 

To save paper, we suggest printing this 2-page worksheet double-sided.

Additionally, project the worksheet onto a screen and work through it as a class by having students record their answers in their notebooks.

This resource was created by Emily, a teacher in California and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities to shorten your lesson planning time: