Central Idea
What is the central idea of an informational passage?
What is a "key detail" in a text?
A fact, example, or piece of information that supports the central idea.
What is the main use of a semicolon when listing items that already contain commas?
Use semicolons to separate complex list items that already contains commas.
Which author's purpose asks the reader to learn facts and information (hint: textbooks, news articles)?
Inform
True or False: The central idea is the same as the topic
False
List two types of supporting details that help explain a central idea.
Examples, quotes, expert research, facts, data, etc.
Choose the correct sentence:
A) I packed apples which are my favorite, bananas which are yellow, and oranges which are round.
B) I packed apples, which are my favorite; bananas, which are yellow; and oranges, which are round.
B) I packed apples, which are my favorite; bananas, which are yellow; and oranges, which are round.
Name the author's purpose when the writer wants the reader to take action or believe something (hint: ads, opinion pieces).
Persuade
What is the central idea of the following passage?
Trees are much more than just tall plants; they are active members of a hidden community. Deep underground, they use a network of tiny fungi called the Wood Wide Web to "talk" to one another. Through this connection, trees can share food with smaller saplings or send out warnings to their neighbors about nearby pests. This teamwork helps the entire forest stay healthy and strong.
While they communicate underground, trees are also working hard above ground to clean our air. Through photosynthesis, they soak up carbon dioxide and release the fresh oxygen we need to breathe. As they grow, they record history inside their trunks using growth rings. A wide ring shows a rainy, healthy year, while a thin ring reveals a time of drought. By studying these rings, scientists can look back thousands of years to see how the Earth's climate has changed.
Trees are complex living things that work together and help the planet in ways we can’t always see.
True or False: Opinions always make strong key details.
False.
Add semicolons where they are needed:
The top three sports in the United States are baseball, which is called "America's Favorite Sport," Basketball, which is enjoyed by both girls and boys, and football, due to its competitive nature.
The top three sports in the United States are baseball, which is called "America's Favorite Sport;" Basketball, which is enjoyed by both girls and boys; and football, due to its competitive nature.
Which author's purpose is providing the reader with an interesting story (hint: science-fiction, romance, comedy)?
Entertain
What is the central idea of the following passage?
The ocean covers more than 70% of our planet, but it is much more than just a massive pool of salt water. It acts as the Earth’s global cooling system by absorbing heat from the sun and moving it around the world through currents. Without the ocean, our planet would be much too hot for humans to survive. It also creates about half of the world's oxygen thanks to tiny floating plants called phytoplankton, which work just like trees to clean the air.
Deep beneath the waves, the ocean is also home to incredible life forms and secret landscapes. Scientists have explored less than 10% of the deep ocean, meaning we know more about the surface of Mars than we do about our own sea floor! From giant squids to underwater volcanoes and mountains taller than Mount Everest, the ocean is a mysterious world that stays connected to everything we do on land. Because it provides our food, regulates our weather, and gives us air to breathe, protecting the ocean is one of the most important ways we can protect our future.
The ocean is a vital and mysterious system that supports all life on Earth by controlling the weather, providing oxygen, and housing millions of species.
Which of the following key details would support the following central idea: "The Northern Lights are a natural light show caused by the interaction between solar particles, Earth’s magnetic field, and atmospheric gases."
a.) "One of the most spectacular shows on Earth isn't on a screen—it's in the sky!"
b.) "The Northern Lights, also called the Aurora Borealis, happen when tiny particles from the sun crash into Earth’s atmosphere at very high speeds."
c.) "Scientists study these lights not just because they are pretty, but because they help us understand how energy moves from the sun to our planet."
d.) "If they hit nitrogen, you might see beautiful shades of blue or deep red."
b.) "The Northern Lights, also called the Aurora Borealis, happen when tiny particles from the sun crash into Earth’s atmosphere at very high speeds."
Edit this sentence by adding semicolons correctly: "The conference has speakers from Paris, France, Berlin, Germany, and Tokyo, Japan."
"The conference has speakers from Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; and Tokyo, Japan."
Read this sentence and choose the most likely author’s purpose: "Follow these steps to make a birdhouse." What is the purpose?
To inform
What is the central idea of the following passage?
Honeybees are essential workers that keep our world running through incredible teamwork. Inside a hive, thousands of bees live in an organized society where everyone has a job. The Queen lays eggs to grow the colony, while Worker bees do everything from cleaning the hive to guarding the entrance. To find food, they "talk" to each other using the Waggle Dance, a special movement that tells other bees exactly where to find the best flowers.
Bees are the world’s top pollinators, meaning they help plants grow the fruits and vegetables we eat. As they fly from flower to flower, they spread pollen that allows crops like apples, watermelons, and almonds to grow. In fact, bees are responsible for about one out of every three bites of food you take! Because they support our food supply and the environment, protecting bees is one of the most important things we can do for our planet.
Honeybees are vital to our environment because their organized teamwork and pollination help provide much of the food humans eat.
Read this short paragraph and state the central idea in one sentence, plus two key details that support it: "Many towns are starting community gardens to provide fresh produce for families. Volunteers help plant and maintain the plots, and local stores donate seeds. These gardens also serve as gathering places for neighbors."
Central idea example: "Community gardens provide food and bring neighbors together." Key details: volunteers help plant; stores donate seeds; they are gathering places.
Rewrite this complex list using semicolons correctly: "Our road trip stops include Austin Texas known for live music, Savannah Georgia famous for historic squares, and Sedona Arizona with red rock views."
"Our road trip stops include Austin, Texas, known for live music; Savannah, Georgia, famous for historic squares; and Sedona, Arizona with red rock views."
The Impact of Light Color on Plant Growth
Scientists use experiments to answer questions about the natural world through careful observation and measurement. In a recent study, Dr. Elena Rossi tested how different colors of light affect the growth of the common bean plant. She placed three identical groups of plants in a controlled laboratory, ensuring each received the same amount of soil, water, and room temperature. The only difference was the color of the light provided: Group A received red light, Group B received blue light, and Group C received white light as a control.
After 30 days of growth, Dr. Rossi used a metric ruler to record the final height of each plant. The results showed that the plants under red light grew the tallest, reaching an average of 25.4 cm, though they had thin stems. The plants under blue light were the shortest at 18.2 cm, but they developed thicker stems and darker leaves. The control group under white light grew to an average height of 21.5 cm.
This experiment demonstrated that different wavelengths of light produce different physical results in bean plants. By recording only the measurements and physical changes, Dr. Rossi provided objective data that other scientists can use for future research. The study concluded that while red light encourages height, blue light encourages stem thickness and leaf color.
Identify the primary author's purpose and give two clues from the text that support your answer.
- To inform
-Answers will vary