Central Idea/ Summaries
Read this short summary and choose the central idea: "The town library started a weekend reading program to help children improve reading skills. Many families signed up, and attendance improved literacy scores." What is the central idea?
"The city announced a new transit schedule to alleviate rush‑hour congestion, which means buses will arrive more frequently to ease crowding at stops." Question: Using context clues, what does "alleviate" most likely mean?
"Alleviate" most likely means "to reduce or make less severe."
Which is a fact: "The library has 12 computers" or "My brother loves the library computers more than me"?
Fact: "The library has 12 computers."
Which type of evidence is this: "Many of the local artists have donated their work this week. For example, Jenna brought in three examples of local artwork for the gallery."
Is it an example, fact, anecdote, or opinion?
It is an example.
What is the capital city of France?
Paris is the capital city of France.
Question: What is the central idea of this passage?
Traffic counts and wait‑time measurements show rush hours cause the longest delays on Main Street and adjusting traffic light timing could reduce wait times.
"Farmers noticed the autumn harvest was abundant this year; crates overflowed with apples, pears, and squash, so many families bought extra produce for winter stores." Question: What does "abundant" most likely mean?
"Abundant" most likely means "plentiful or more than enough."
Decide whether this sentence is an anecdote, example, opinion or a fact: "Last summer, my neighbor found a rare butterfly in her garden and showed it to our class."
It is an anecdote.
Is this sentence an opinion, anecdote, fact or an example: "Chocolate ice cream is the best flavor for everyone"?
It is an opinion
Solve this short riddle : "I have keys but no locks. I have space but no room. You can enter but not go outside. What am I?"
A Keyboard
"A recent environmental study measured how roadside trees affect air temperature in urban areas. Researchers compared shaded sidewalks to nearby paved areas without trees and recorded temperatures hourly. The study found that locations with trees were consistently several degrees cooler during midday, especially in summer, and recommended planting more street trees to reduce urban heat."
What is the central idea of this passage?
Roadside trees lower urban temperatures compared to unshaded paved areas, so planting more street trees can reduce urban heat.
"The committee published a concise summary of the meeting—short and to the point—so members could review the main decisions quickly." Question: What does "concise" most likely mean?
"Concise" most likely means "short and clear."
Is the statement a fact, example, opinion or an anecdote: "Records show that the park receives an average of 300 visitors each weekend"?
It is a fact.
Identify whether this is an example, fact, anecdote or an opinion: "Compost is common for many people to use to enrich soil. For instance, farmers, gardeners, and park volunteers all use often use compost."
It is an example.
Which of these is a complete sentence: "Because the bell rang" or "The bell rang loudly"?
The bell rang loudly is the complete sentence.
"The school district reviewed students’ standardized math scores across five years. Analysts grouped results by grade level and identified trends in which specific skills improved or declined. They found that computation accuracy improved after implementing daily practice, while problem‑solving scores lagged. The district recommended more lessons focused on multi‑step problems and real‑world applications."
What is the central idea?
Analysis of math scores shows computation improved after daily practice while problem‑solving lagged, so the district should focus instruction on multi‑step problems and real‑world applications.
"Engineers performed a rigorous series of safety tests on the bridge, checking each joint, bolt, and cable under different loads before opening it to traffic." Question: What does "rigorous" most likely mean?
"Rigorous" most likely means "thorough, careful, and demanding."
Read this piece of evidence: "A student said, 'I got an A on my test after studying with flashcards every night for a week.'" Is this an anecdote or a fact? Explain why.
It is an anecdote because it tells a story.
Decide if this evidence is an example or an opinion: "Teachers should not give homework over the weekend because students need rest." Explain why.
It is an opinion because, while there could be evidence to support it, it can't be proven to be 100% true.
Rearrange these words into a proper sentence: "yesterday / soccer / played / we / after / school"
Yesterday we played soccer after school.
"A public health department investigated the causes of increased local flu clinic visits during one winter. Epidemiologists collected data on vaccination rates, recorded patient ages, and surveyed common symptoms. They discovered that vaccination rates had dropped slightly compared to the previous year, the highest visit rates were among older adults and young children, and most patients reported similar respiratory symptoms. Based on the data, the department advised increasing vaccine outreach to vulnerable groups and expanding clinic hours."
What is the central idea?
The health department’s data link increased flu clinic visits to lower vaccination rates and vulnerable age groups, so they recommend targeted vaccine outreach and expanded clinic hours.
"To mitigate the effects of erosion along the shoreline, conservationists planted native grasses and built barriers that slow runoff and hold soil in place." Question: What does "mitigate" most likely mean?
"Mitigate" most likely means "to make less severe or to lessen the negative effect."
Read this piece of evidence: "Several students brought pet photos to class: a dog, a parrot, and a hamster." Is this an example, an opinion, an anecdote, or a fact? Explain.
It is an example, because it provides what kind of photos were brought to class.
Determine if this claim is a fact, example, opinion, or an anecdote: "My coach says doing sprints before practice helped our team win three games last season."
It is an anecdote
Write a two-sentence example that shows the difference between a fact and an opinion (one sentence must be a fact, the other an opinion).
Answers may vary.