4G - Main Idea with Key Details
Excerpt: The article explains that the new library will include a teen lounge, a computer lab, and a larger study area.
Question: What is the key idea of this excerpt?
A. The library is closing soon
B. The library is adding new features
C. The library is too small
D. The library only serves teens
B. The library is adding new features
Excerpt: Maria slammed her locker shut, sighing loudly as her shoulders slumped.
Question: What can you infer about Maria’s mood?
A. She is happy and excited
B. She is frustrated or upset
C. She is sleepy and tired
D. She is proud of herself
B. She is frustrated or upset ✅
Excerpt: The article begins with, “Stories remind us who we are and why we matter.”
Question: What is the author’s purpose in starting with this sentence?
A. To entertain with a funny story
B. To inform readers about history
C. To capture attention and highlight the importance of stories
D. To criticize people who don’t like books
C. To capture attention and highlight the importance of stories
Excerpt: First, the writer explains the problem with too much screen time. Next, she describes its effects on sleep. Finally, she suggests limiting use before bed.
Question: How does the author organize this text?
A. By comparing and contrasting two topics
B. By listing steps in a sequence
C. By telling a personal story
D. By describing the setting
B. By listing steps in a sequence
Excerpt: Sam dropped his backpack on the floor, rubbed his temples, and muttered, “Another test tomorrow.”
Question: What key idea can be inferred from this excerpt?
A. Sam is excited to study
B. Sam is stressed about school
C. Sam enjoys taking tests
D. Sam is finished with homework
B. Sam is stressed about school
Excerpt: The essay states that exercise improves memory, reduces stress, and helps students focus in class.
Question: What is the key idea supported by these details?
A. Exercise has many benefits for students
B. Stress cannot be controlled
C. Memory is the most important skill
D. Students dislike exercise
A. Exercise has many benefits for students
Excerpt: The classroom felt like a frozen cave. Students pulled their jackets tighter and rubbed their hands together.
Question: What does the author’s description suggest about the classroom?
A. The classroom is warm and inviting
B. The classroom is very cold
C. The classroom is small and crowded
D. The classroom is dark and scary
B. The classroom is very cold
Excerpt: The writer addresses “young readers” directly and encourages them to share their experiences with friends.
Question: Who is the author’s intended audience?
A. Teachers in a classroom
B. Young readers
C. Professional critics
D. Politicians
B. Young readers
Excerpt: The article begins by stating a claim: “Exercise is essential for learning.” It then provides three studies to support this idea.
Question: How does this structure support the author’s purpose?
A. It entertains readers with a story
B. It provides evidence to back up the claim
C. It confuses readers with too many details
D. It shows both sides of the argument equally
B. It provides evidence to back up the claim
Excerpt: In her article, the writer uses statistics showing that teens spend an average of 7 hours a day on screens.
Question: What is the author’s purpose in including this evidence?
A. To prove her point that screen time is excessive
B. To entertain readers with humor
C. To describe how phones are built
D. To show that statistics are confusing
A. To prove her point that screen time is excessive
Excerpt: The passage describes how city parks provide green space, improve air quality, and encourage community events.
Question: Which statement best captures the key idea?
A. Parks are important for healthy communities
B. Parks are dangerous for children
C. Parks are only for exercise
D. Parks are expensive to build
A. Parks are important for healthy communities
Excerpt: Jacob’s shoes had holes near the toes, and at lunch he quietly folded his empty hands while others ate.
Question: What can you infer about Jacob’s situation?
A. He is wealthy but doesn’t care about food
B. He is creative and likes old clothes
C. He struggles financially
D. He enjoys skipping meals
C. He struggles financially
Excerpt: Throughout the essay, the author includes statistics about how many students read fewer books each year.
Question: What is the most likely purpose of including these statistics?
A. To prove that reading is less popular
B. To describe the history of books
C. To explain how libraries are organized
D. To show the author’s favorite authors
A. To prove that reading is less popular
Excerpt: In the essay, the author first describes the dangers of fast fashion, then explains how consumers can make better choices.
Question: What text structure is used here?
A. Problem and solution
B. Chronological order
C. Cause and effect
D. Classification
A. Problem and solution
Excerpt: The essay begins with the problem of pollution, describes its harmful effects, and ends with possible solutions for communities.
Question: Which text structure is used, and what inference can you make about the author’s goal?
A. Sequence; the author wants to list random events
B. Problem–solution; the author wants readers to think about taking action
C. Cause–effect; the author wants to entertain
D. Description; the author wants to confuse readers
B. Problem–solution; the author wants readers to think about taking action
Excerpt: The author notes that while renewable energy sources require investment, they reduce pollution, create jobs, and save money long-term.
Question: What is the key idea the author wants readers to understand?
A. Renewable energy is too expensive
B. Renewable energy provides multiple benefits
C. Renewable energy is only about saving money
D. Renewable energy has no impact on pollution
B. Renewable energy provides multiple benefits
*Excerpt (from both Kokoro and The List):
In “Kokoro,” the character relies on memories of family to endure isolation.
In “The List,” the protagonist clings to personal values while facing difficult choices.
Question: What common theme can you infer about how characters face challenges?
A. They ignore their problems and hope they go away
B. They must rely on inner strength or personal values
C. They always ask others to solve their problems
D. They try to avoid change at all costs
B. They must rely on inner strength or personal values
Excerpt: The author compares books to “windows and doors” that let readers step into new worlds.
Question: What is the author’s message with this comparison?
A. Books are only useful for decoration
B. Books can transport readers into new experiences
C. Books are confusing and mysterious
D. Books are meant to stay closed
B. Books can transport readers into new experiences
Excerpt: The passage opens with a powerful question: “What would you do if your neighborhood lost access to clean water tomorrow?” The following sections explain the issue and propose solutions.
Question: How does the structure of the passage help the author achieve their purpose?
A. It distracts readers with irrelevant details
B. It engages readers by framing the problem personally
C. It avoids explaining the issue clearly
D. It only presents one side of the problem
B. It engages readers by framing the problem personally
Excerpt: The speech highlights how teamwork builds trust, increases success, and creates stronger communities.
Question: What is the author’s message supported by these key details?
A. Teamwork is valuable in many areas of life
B. Communities do not need trust
C. Success depends only on individuals
D. Strong communities do not require teamwork
A. Teamwork is valuable in many areas of life
Excerpt: The editorial mentions that students who participate in after-school activities often show higher grades, stronger friendships, and better time management.
Question: What is the key idea supported by these details?
A. After-school activities can positively affect student success
B. Students spend too much time in clubs
C. Teachers prefer students who play sports
D. Time management is more important than grades
A. After-school activities can positively affect student success
*Excerpt (from Buried History):
The article explains how important artifacts were buried for centuries, unnoticed by the public, until recent discoveries revealed their significance.
Question: What broader inference can you make about society’s relationship with history?
A. Society always protects its historical sites
B. Society often overlooks important lessons from the past until rediscovered
C. Society is not interested in the past at all
D. Society only studies history when forced
B. Society often overlooks important lessons from the past until rediscovered
Excerpt: In the conclusion, the author warns that without reading, “a society risks losing its imagination and empathy.”
Question: Which statement best explains the author’s purpose?
A. To argue that reading is essential for a thoughtful society
B. To convince readers to buy more books
C. To describe how reading was in the past
D. To criticize people who write novels
A. To argue that reading is essential for a thoughtful society
Excerpt: The author organizes the article into three sections: (1) the history of voting rights, (2) current challenges in voter access, and (3) actions citizens can take today.
Question: What is the overall effect of this text structure?
A. It entertains readers with a fictional story
B. It emphasizes the importance of acting now by connecting past, present, and future
C. It confuses readers by mixing unrelated topics
D. It proves the author dislikes history
B. It emphasizes the importance of acting now by connecting past, present, and future
Excerpt: In “Voices of Change,” the author tells the story of one student leading a recycling program. In “Buried History,” the author describes how citizens uncovered forgotten artifacts. Both emphasize small actions leading to big results.
Question: Which idea is best supported by both texts, and how does evidence reinforce it?
A. Individuals can create meaningful change, proven by examples in both texts
B. History is more important than the environment
C. Recycling is the only way to change society
D. Citizens rarely affect their communities
A. Individuals can create meaningful change, proven by examples in both texts