Main Idea
5) People once thought that the great Egyptian pyramids were built by slaves. But recent discoveries show the pyramids were probably built by skilled craftsmen. To build the pyramids, people had to apply skills in geometry and architecture, and move large blocks of stone. Building the pyramids took time and experienced tradespeople.
What is the main idea of this passage?
What is - The pyramids were probably built by skilled tradespeople, not slaves.
A short story, written by a middle school student, describing an imaginary civilization on Mars.
What is the AP?
What is entertain?
What is the vowel sound in "breath?"
What is short 'e'
James arose early on Saturday morning and looked outside the window. The sun was shining and it was sizzling outside. James’ friend called and said, “It is a perfect day, don’t forget to bring a towel!” James grabbed a towel and they left the house.
What can you infer about their activity for the day?
What is - the boys are going to the pool or the beach?
"This weekend was a rollercoaster!"
What does this mean and what type of fig. language is used?
What is metaphor and the weekend was wild.
7) Magnets have many uses, but one of their strangest uses is inside a cow’s stomach. They are put there so when cows accidentally eat nails or wire the metal sticks to the magnet. If the metal moved through the cow’s digestive system it could cause damage. The magnet protects the cow and saves the farmer from big vet bills!
What is the main idea of this passage?
What is - Farmers use magnets to prevent metal from puncturing cows’ stomachs.
The instruction booklet included with the vacuum cleaner?
What is the AP?
What is explain?
What is the vowel sound in "stint?"
What is short i?
The boy showed the lady his ticket at the entrance. Many animals are on display in their cages. He saw a gift store and snack shop. There were also elephant and giraffe rides.
What conclusion can you come to about the boy's day?
What is - he is spending the day at the zoo?
"To me, you're like a diamond in the rough."
What does this mean and what fig. language is used?
What is something rare and simile.
8) The United States sent seven manned missions to the moon, but only six made it. The Apollo 13 mission was over halfway to the moon when one of its oxygen tanks exploded. The astronauts had to come up with creative ways to fix their ship and return to Earth. Their courage has been an inspiration to others who followed in their footsteps.
What is the main idea of this passage?
What is - The Apollo 13 mission was almost a disaster, but made it back safely.
A speech written by a member of the debate team in preparation for the school debate.
What is the AP?
What is persuade?
What is the short vowel sound in "funny?"
What is short u?
Your best friend has just tried out for a sports team. She comes up to you, looks at her feet, and then bursts into tears.
What can you conclude about your friend's tryout?
What is - it didn't go well and she didn't make the team.
"I could eat an entire horse."
What does this mean and what fig. language is used?
What is very hungry and hyperbole.
11) Baseball is a game played by teams of nine people. The team that is playing defense is on the field, while the team that is playing offense sends one batter up at a time. The batter tries to hit the baseball and then run to one or more bases before he/she is thrown out. Once three batters have been put out, the team that is batting switches.
What is the main idea of this passage?
What is - This paragraph describes the basic rules of baseball.
An article describing the political campaign of a mayor running for reelection.
What is the AP?
What is describe?
What is the short vowel sound in "candy?"
What is short a?
The little girl went into the house. No one was home. She sat in the chairs, she ate the porridge, and she fell asleep! When the bears came home, the little bear started to cry!
What can you infer about this story?
What is - the little bear was afraid of the little girl or the little bear was sad that the girl ate his porridge.
"The night sky was a blanket of ash."
What does this mean and what fig. language is used?
What is metaphor and it means really dark.
14) In 2011, 16 big food companies promised to make their food healthier. They made this promise to help decrease childhood obesity. The companies said they would make their food healthier by lowering the number of calories in it. A study showed that after the companies kept their promise, people started buying healthier, lower-calorie food.
What is the main idea of this passage?
What is - Sixteen companies are making their food healthier.
A biography of a wellknown entertainer, focusing on her path to success.
What is the AP?
What is inform?
What is the short vowel sound in "octopus?"
What is short o?
Jill stepped out onto the court. She could feel the sand between her toes. The net hung so high above her she could barely touch it. She couldn’t wait for the match to begin.
What can you conclude about Jill's experience?
What is - Jill is about to play in a big sand volleyball match?
"You're really getting on my last nerve."
What does this mean and what fig. language is used?
What is idiom and it means you're bothering me.