Central Idea
Define central idea.
A central idea is the main point or underlying message that an author conveys through a text, unifying all parts of the work. What the text is mostly about.
Define claim.
The author's stance, opinion or take on an issue.
How do you determine central idea?
Figure out the topic.
Examine the beginning and the details included.
What message does the author want me to take away about the topic.
Differentiate between reason and reasoning.
Reasoning is the thinking process behind a conclusion.
Reason is why they believe their claim.
Passage 1: School Gardens
1. Part A
The author never directly states the central idea. Which statement best expresses the central idea of the passage?
A. School gardens take too much time away from learning
B. School gardens provide several benefits for students
C. Students do not enjoy gardening activities
D. Gardening should replace traditional classes
Part B (Select TWO answers.)
Which details from the passage best support the answer in Part A?
A. “Students become more interested in science…”
B. “Some critics argue…”
C. “Vegetable consumption increased by 30%…”
D. “Students should focus more on reading and math…”
Part A: B
Part B: A, C
Explanation:
The central idea must capture the overall message, not just one part. Choice B is correct because the passage discusses both academic and health benefits.
Part A
What reasoning does the author provide to show that school gardens are beneficial?
A. Gardens are easy to build
B. Hands-on experiences increase engagement and healthy habits
C. Gardens are required in all schools
D. Teachers prefer outdoor lessons
Part B (Select TWO answers.)
Which details support your answer?
A. “Students become more interested in science…”
B. “Vegetable consumption increased by 30%…”
C. “Critics argue that gardens take time…”
D. “Students should focus on math…”
4. Tracking Arguments
Part A: B
Part B: A, B
Explanation:
The reasoning connects hands-on learning → engagement and gardening → healthier habits.
Read Passage 2.
Part A
The author never directly states the central idea. Which statement best expresses the central idea?
A. Plastic pollution is harmful and solutions are being considered
B. Recycling is the only solution
C. Plastic bans should not exist
D. Oceans are already clean
Part B (Select TWO answers.)
Which details support the answer in Part A?
A. “Harming marine life…”
B. “Communities have started banning plastics…”
C. “Plastic bans are inconvenient…”
D. “Stores offer reusable alternatives…”
8. Central Idea
Part A: A
Part B: A, B (D is also acceptable if allowing 3 strong supports)
Explanation:
The passage discusses both:
10. Part A
How does this passage develop the argument that action must be taken against plastic pollution?
A. By only describing the problem
B. By presenting problems, solutions, and opposing views
C. By focusing on one example
D. By explaining how plastic is made
Part B (Select TWO answers.)
A. “Plastic waste enters the oceans…”
B. “Communities have started banning…”
C. “Reusable alternatives…”
D. “Plastic bans are inconvenient…”
Part A: B
Part B: A, B
Explanation:
The passage builds an argument by:
This layered structure is typical of strong arguments.
C could also be accepted.
Part A
How does the author's language in paragraph 2 support the idea that school gardens improve student health?
A. It gives an opinion about gardening
B. It provides an example and statistic
C. It compares schools with and without gardens
D. It explains how gardens are built
Part B (Select TWO answers.)
Which details support your answer?
A. “Encourage healthier eating habits”
B. “Students grow fruits and vegetables”
C. “Vegetable consumption increased by 30%”
D. “Critics argue that gardens take time”
Part A: B
Part B: A, C
Explanation:
Paragraph 2 uses a statistic (30%) and a clear example to support the idea. This is stronger than opinion because it provides measurable evidence.
Define deductive, abductive, and inductive reasoning.
Deductive: starts with general statement ends with a specific conclusion.
Inductive: starts with specific examples, ends with a general conclusion.
Abductive: best guess based off of limited information.
Part A
The author never directly states the central idea. Which statement best expresses the central idea?
A. Plastic pollution is harmful and solutions are being considered
B. Recycling is the only solution
C. Plastic bans should not exist
D. Oceans are already clean
Part B (Select TWO answers.)
Which details support the answer in Part A?
A. “Harming marine life…”
B. “Communities have started banning plastics…”
C. “Plastic bans are inconvenient…”
D. “Stores offer reusable alternatives…”
8. Central Idea
Part A: A
Part B: A, B (D is also acceptable if allowing 3 strong supports)
Explanation:
The passage discusses both:
6. Part A
What is the purpose of paragraph 3?
A. To introduce the main idea
B. To provide a counterargument
C. To explain how gardens work
D. To describe student activities
Part B
How does paragraph 3 connect to the rest of the passage?
A. It repeats earlier ideas
B. It adds a different perspective to the argument
C. It gives unrelated information
D. It summarizes the passage
6. Text Structure Purpose
Part A: B
Part B: B
Explanation:
Paragraph 3 introduces a counterargument, which strengthens the overall argument by acknowledging another perspective.
This is a key feature of argumentative writing.
11. Part A
What is the author trying to claim by mentioning reusable alternatives?
A. Plastic cannot be replaced
B. Solutions exist to reduce pollution
C. Stores want to make more money
D. Customers dislike change
Part B
Which type of reasoning is used?
A. Deductive
B. Inductive
C. Abductive
Part A: B
Part B: B (Inductive)
Explanation:
The author provides examples (reusable alternatives) to suggest a broader solution → inductive reasoning.
Multi-Select
What types of support does the author use to develop the central idea that school gardens benefit students?
Select ALL that apply.
⬜ Facts
⬜ Statistics
⬜ Personal opinions
⬜ Examples
3. Types of Support
Answer: Facts, Statistics, Examples
Explanation:
Standard: ELA.6.R.2.2
Part A
What is the author trying to claim by mentioning the increase in vegetable consumption?
A. Gardens are expensive
B. Gardens improve student health
C. Gardens replace cafeteria food
D. Gardens are difficult to maintain
Part B
Which type of reasoning is used?
A. Deductive
B. Inductive
C. Abductive
5. Claim + Reasoning Type
Part A: B
Part B: B (Inductive)
Explanation:
The author uses a specific example (one school) to support a broader claim → this is inductive reasoning.
9. Part A
How does the author's language in paragraph 1 support the idea that plastic pollution is harmful?
A. It gives a personal story
B. It uses facts and cause/effect relationships
C. It compares two environments
D. It lists opinions
Part B (Select TWO answers.)
A. “Millions of tons of plastic waste…”
B. “Animals mistake plastic for food…”
C. “Communities have started banning plastics…”
D. “Plastic bans are inconvenient…”
9. Author’s Language
Part A: B
Part B: A, B
Explanation:
The author uses facts + cause/effect:
Multi-Select
How did the author structure this passage?
Select ALL that apply.
⬜A Description of benefits
⬜B Argument with counterargument
⬜C Chronological order
⬜D Use of supporting evidence
Structure Multi-Select
Answer:
A✔ Description of benefits
B✔ Argument with counterargument
D✔ Use of supporting evidence
12. Part A
What is the purpose of paragraph 2?
A. To describe the problem
B. To present solutions
C. To introduce a character
D. To summarize the text
Part B
How does paragraph 2 connect to the rest of the passage?
A. It contrasts the problem with possible solutions
B. It repeats ideas
C. It gives unrelated details
D. It changes the topic
12. Text Structure Purpose
Part A: B
Part B: A
Explanation:
Paragraph 2 introduces solutions, which contrasts with paragraph 1 (the problem).
This creates a problem/solution structure within an argument.