Main Idea
Look at these details from a paragraph about the same topic:
Treats are used to teach a falcon to come to the trainer's glove.
A training line is used to teach falcons to fly back to the trainer for a treat.
Trainers teach falcons to capture prey and bring it back for a large reward.
Choose the main, or central, idea that ties all the details together.
a) Falcons can learn how to land on a trainer's glove.
b) Treats are an important part of falcon training.
c) Trainers teach falcons to hop away and then come back for a reward.
b) Treats are an important part of falcon training.
The Fox and the Goat
Once upon a time, a fox was out walking in the woods. He did not see a well in the ground ahead, and he fell right into it. It was too deep for him to climb out. After several hours passed, a goat came walking by. The goat was feeling thirsty and saw the fox in the well.
"How's the water down there?" asked the goat.
"Why, hello, Goat," said the fox. "The water tastes great. Why don't you come in and have a sip?"
The goat jumped into the well and leaned down to start drinking. Quickly, the fox leaped onto the goat's back and used her horns to spring up and out of the well.
"Oh no!" said the goat. "Now I'm stuck down here. Please help me!"
But the fox only said, "That was your mistake." And he ran off into the woods.
What is the main theme or lesson of the fable?
a) The fox thought only of himself.
b) Think about what could happen before you act.
b) Think about what could happen before you act.
Which point of view does the narrator use in the passage?
His name was Charlie Laird, and he'd lived in Cyprus Creek all twelve years of his life. He and his little brother, Jack, had grown up in a house just down the street. In fact, Charlie could see the old place from his new bedroom window.
From Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller, Nightmares! Copyright 2014 by Jason Segel Company
third person
Read the text.
Electric cars may seem like a new invention, but they're not. The first electric car was built in 1837! Around fifty years later, a French scientist designed a better kind of battery, and electric cars became popular. By the early 1900s, many cities had electric taxis and streetcars. Then, around the 1920s, gas became cheaper than it was before. Gas-powered cars started to take over. It wasn't until the 1990s that many people began to think about electric cars again.
Which text structure does the text use?
a) problem and solution
b) cause and effect
c) description
d) sequential
e) compare and contrast
d) sequential
Read the text below.
Try biking to work! You'll save money, help the planet, and get much-needed exercise. What do you have to lose?
What is the text's most likely purpose?
a) to persuade
b) to inform
c) to entertain
a) to persuade
Look at these details from a paragraph about the same topic:
Peaches and cucumbers are best when harvested in the summer.
In the fall, pumpkins and pears are ready to be picked.
Several types of oranges and potatoes are ripe in the winter.
Choose the main, or central, idea that ties all the details together.
a) Snap peas and blueberries are ripe in the spring.
b) Different fruits and vegetables are ripe during different seasons.
c) Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet.
b) Different fruits and vegetables are ripe during different seasons.
Why the Bat Flies at Night
Once upon a time, there was a war between the animals of the air and the animals of the land. The eagle would hunt and eat the rabbit. The owl was never safe from the fox.
The bat had wings like the flying animals, but it had teeth like the land animals. Unsure which side to join, the bat joined whichever side was winning. When the air animals were ahead, the bat fought along with the air animals. When the land animals won a battle, the bat joined them.
After many years, both sides decided to end the war. There was peace across the earth. But the animals could not forget what the bat had done. Both the air animals and the land animals felt tricked by the bat. They decided to drive the bat away.
And that is why the bat hides away during the day and goes out only at night.
What is the main theme or lesson of the fable?
a) People who aren't true to their friends will end up with no one.
b) People shouldn't go to war to settle their differences.
a) People who aren't true to their friends will end up with no one.
Which point of view does the narrator use in the passage?
I stood in the sun and bounced up and down to keep warm. It was one of our usual California summer days. Later on, it would be hot. But right then I needed the sweatshirt that was buried in the big rubber dry bag.
From P. J. Petersen, Wild River. Copyright 2009 by P. J. Petersen
first person
Read the text.
For centuries, ships sailing between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans faced a very long journey. A vessel going from New York to San Francisco had to sail all the way around South America. That twelve-thousand-mile trip took almost ten weeks. Eventually, the United States addressed this issue. Workers dug an enormous canal, fifty miles long. It went through a narrow piece of land in the country of Panama. The canal shortened the voyage from New York to San Francisco by eight thousand miles.
Which text structure does the text use?
a) problem and solution
b) cause and effect
c) description
d) sequential
e) compare and contrast
a) problem and solution
Read the sentence.
Ms. Pearson says that only cars made in Europe are good enough to drive.
Based on this sentence, what is Ms. Pearson probably like?
a) snobby
b) trusting
a) snobby
A New Way to Help the Poor
As the daughter of a wealthy Illinois businessman, Jane Addams did not have to worry about money. However, she was concerned about the poor. During a trip to Europe, Addams visited Toynbee Hall, a settlement house in London. Settlement houses were places offering free services to the poor. Inspired by what she saw in London, Addams opened a settlement house of her own in Chicago in 1889. Hull House was one of the first centers of its kind in the United States. It helped many families who had just arrived from Italy, Germany, Russia, and Greece. The center offered classes, child care, food, and help with finding jobs.
What is the main, or central, idea of the passage?
How the Tortoise Got Its Cracked Shell
One day the birds were going to a party in the sky. The clever tortoise Ijapa talked the birds into taking him with them. The birds gave Ijapa some of their feathers so that he could fly, too.
Ijapa told the birds they must pick new names for this important party. For his own name, Ijapa chose "All of You." Together they flew into the sky, and soon a large feast was set before them.
Ijapa asked, "Who is meant to eat this food?"
The people of the sky replied, "It is for all of you."
"Aha!" said Ijapa. "Then let me begin."
Ijapa feasted while the birds looked on, hungry. When Ijapa was finally done eating, there was almost nothing left for the birds. Angry at being tricked, the birds took back their feathers.
With no feathers left for flying, Ijapa wanted his wife's help. He asked a parrot to tell her to put blankets on the ground to soften his landing. But the parrot, still angry, instead told her to put down knives and other sharp objects.
When Ijapa jumped, he landed on his back and cracked his shell. That is why tortoises have a cracked shell.
What is the main theme or lesson of the folktale?
a) If you are selfish, you will be punished.
b) Don't try to be someone you're not.
a) If you are selfish, you will be punished.
The following texts both describe a sold-out play.
This text is from the point of view of Nicholas, a man who wanted to buy tickets to the play:
All my sister wanted for her birthday was to see this play. After waiting in line for hours, I took my money out of my pocket. You can imagine my dismay when the people in front of me got the last two tickets! The sold-out sign was hung right in my disappointed, weary face.
This text is from the point of view of Joe, an actor in the play:
Our company had been performing this play for three months. We'd all dreamed of selling out the hall, but it never happened—until last night. An hour before the curtain rose, I got the amazing news that every ticket had been sold. Surprised and excited, I ran to tell the other actors.
How is Joe's point of view different from Nicholas's?
a) Joe describes his excitement that the show is sold out.
b) Joe describes his worry about whether the show will sell out.
a) Joe describes his excitement that the show is sold out.
Read the text.
In 1882, Thomas Edison opened the world's first electric power plant. This plant brought electricity to part of New York City. At first, many people didn't trust electric power. Over the next several decades, however, electricity caught on. More and more American cities got electricity. In 1935, President Roosevelt promised to bring power to rural areas of the United States. By 1942, half of America's farms were wired with electricity. Finally, by the end of the 1950s, just about all Americans had electric power.
Which text structure does the text use?
a) problem and solution
b) cause and effect
c) description
d) sequential
e) compare and contrast
d) sequential
Read the passage and then answer the question.
Circling hundreds of miles above Earth is the International Space Station. Astronauts from countries around the world have worked at the station. There are usually three to six astronauts on board at a time. While there, they perform science experiments to learn more about space. The astronauts usually spend several months there, and they often work long hours on little sleep. This requires a great deal of stamina. Although the astronauts do interesting work, sending supplies to the space station can be expensive. The station requires support from many governments so the astronauts' work can continue.
What is the meaning of stamina as used in the passage?
a) ability to read and write
b) very good hearing
c) strength to do something for a long time
d) strong skills in math and science
c) strength to do something for a long time
Text 1
The British began their rule of much of India in the mid-1800s, and the Indian people had to follow British laws. However, Indian leader Mohandas Gandhi believed many of these laws were unfair. Under the Salt Act, for instance, Indians could not collect their own salt. In 1930, Gandhi organized a March to the Sea. The protesters walked over two hundred miles to the ocean. There, Gandhi and others collected their own salt.
Text 2
Mohandas "Mahatma" Gandhi wanted India to become independent from British rule. Gandhi led many actions to achieve freedom. One of these was a boycott in which Indians refused to buy clothing made in Britain. This action cut off the money flowing into British clothing companies. Then, the British were forced to listen to what the Indians wanted.
Which sentence best combines the main, or central, ideas of both texts?
a) To stop unfair British laws and help India gain independence, Mohandas Gandhi organized both marches and boycotts.
b) Mohandas Gandhi thought India should be independent, but the British did not listen to him and passed unfair laws.
a) To stop unfair British laws and help India gain independence, Mohandas Gandhi organized both marches and boycotts.
Two Guitars
After guitar lessons, Jerry and Martin went to Martin's garage, where they could practice some more. Martin strummed his guitar, trying for the G chord he had just learned. Jerry looked over.
"Wait—is this it?" Jerry asked, positioning his own fingers.
"That looks right," said Martin. He strummed again, and then Jerry tried it.
"How come it sounds so . . . weak?" asked Jerry.
"Because we're not good," Martin said with a snort. "That's why we're practicing."
They took turns playing the G chord.
"This is boring. I thought we'd try to play a song or something," said Jerry.
"We can try. How about 'Ribbon Road'?" Martin asked.
Jerry looked down at his guitar, singing the notes to himself. He slowly picked out the first three notes. Martin tried it as well. He played the three notes over and over until they came out smoothly.
"Ow. My fingers hurt," said Jerry. He put down his guitar. "You know, I have a lot of homework tonight. I should get going."
After Jerry left, Martin did his own homework. But just before bed, he picked up his guitar and practiced the chords again until he got tired. He decided to practice a little every night before bed.
The next week, Jerry said he was quitting guitar lessons. He and Martin still hung out, but Jerry stopped talking about his goal of forming a band.
One day, Martin played a perfect rendition of "Ribbon Road" for Jerry.
"That was good! How did you do that?" Jerry asked.
"Sixty-three days of practice," Martin said.
Which of the following best describes the main theme or lesson of the story?
a) Practice takes time but pays off.
b) A true friend won't quit on you.
a) Practice takes time but pays off.
The following texts both describe camping trips.
This text is told from the point of view of Mr. Dawson, a motor home owner:
My wife and I take camping trips in our fancy motor home. We stay in the best parks, where we hook up the camper to water and electricity. We take lots of groceries and cook dinner in our kitchen. At night, we sleep soundly in our comfortable beds.
This text is told from the point of view of Ms. Davidson, who camps in the wilderness:
I pack light when I go camping. All I need is a sleeping bag. I don't carry much food because I know how to find the wild plants that are safe to eat. To me, camping means making a fire and falling asleep beneath the starry night sky.
How is Ms. Davidson's point of view different from Mr. Dawson's?
a) Ms. Davidson describes camping as living on what you find in nature.
b) Ms. Davidson makes sleeping in a motor home seem uncomfortable.
a) Ms. Davidson describes camping as living on what you find in nature.
Read the text.
Between the years 300 BCE and 300 CE, two great empires arose: one surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, the other in China. The rulers of China's Han dynasty extended their power to unite much of what is today's China. The Han created a strong military and expanded trade with far-off peoples over the Silk Road. Similarly, the Romans extended their reach from Rome, in what is today Italy, throughout the area surrounding the Mediterranean Sea in Europe and Africa. The Romans likewise relied on a strong military as they occupied new lands and brought the residents they conquered into the Roman Empire. Both empires built many miles of new roads and structures to transport water (canals and aqueducts). Finally, both powerfully influenced the cultures that followed them.
Which organizational structure does this text primarily use?
a) problem and solution
b) cause and effect
c) description
d) sequential
e) compare and contrast
e) compare and contrast
Read the text.
Kendall stood on her front porch and stared out at the prairie. The vast acres of land were as flat and empty as a desert, with no houses in sight. Kendall sighed, thinking about the crowded streets and tall buildings near her last place.
Based on the text, which sentence is more likely to be true?
a) Kendall was looking for someone's house.
b) Kendall moved from the city to the country.
b) Kendall moved from the city to the country.
Text 1
In the 1980s and 1990s, there was an American television show called MacGyver. The main character was Angus MacGyver. He was a secret agent with scientific knowledge. MacGyver often used common objects to create amazing things or solve problems. For example, in one show, he fixed a car engine using egg whites.
Text 2
Sometimes popular television shows can change the way people talk. For example, the word "MacGyver" means to fix a problem using common objects in a clever way. So, you might hear something like, "Emily is so smart. She MacGyvered the broken bike with toothpicks." This means that Emily figured out how to fix a problem using a common object.
Which sentence best combines the main, or central, ideas of both texts?
a) MacGyver was a television show in the 1980s and 1990s where the main character fixed things in unusual ways.
b) A TV show about a secret agent who used common objects to solve problems led to the use of a new word in English, "MacGyver."
b) A TV show about a secret agent who used common objects to solve problems led to the use of a new word in English, "MacGyver."
Visual Aid
Elliot looked up from his book and rubbed his eyes.
"Are you having trouble seeing over there?" asked his father. "You might be giving yourself eyestrain."
"I'm fine," grumbled Elliot, even though he had a pounding headache. He liked his reading spot on the couch. It was cozy, but his parents were always telling him to turn on the lamp. "It's just this book," he lied. "The plot is giving me a headache."
The next morning, Elliot's mom was looking out the window at the bird feeder. "Oh look—the yellow finches are back," she said. Elliot looked, but all he could see were yellow blurs darting to and from the bird feeder. He quickly lost interest.
"You're squinting," his mom observed. "Can you see them?"
"I am?" Elliott said. He hadn't felt himself squinting.
"You know, I think we should get your eyes checked. You make that squinty face a lot," said his mom.
When they went to see the eye doctor, Elliot learned that he had astigmatism in both eyes. He badly needed glasses.
At the optometrist, Elliot picked out a pair of sleek oval frames. When his lenses were ready, he tried them on. He was amazed. He could see street signs a block away. He could see the outlines of leaves on trees. His headaches disappeared, too, as if some muscle behind his eyes had suddenly loosened its grip.
Later that night, Elliot was reading on the couch when his dad got up and stretched.
"Good book, Elliot?"
"Yeah," Elliot said. He had been reading for hours and hadn't stopped once to rub his eyes. "Books are better when I can see."
Which of the following best describes the main theme or lesson of the story?
a) The right book can make reading a pleasure.
b) Sometimes people need help to see things about themselves.
b) Sometimes people need help to see things about themselves.
Read a text about Henry Brown.
In 1849, Henry Brown escaped from slavery in a highly original way. He arranged to have himself mailed from Virginia to Pennsylvania. He had to spend over twenty-four hours in a large wooden box marked dry goods. People thought the box carried grain or some other type of dry material. They never guessed that there was a person inside! Brown's box bumped along to Pennsylvania by wagon, boat, and train. It was a very uncomfortable and dangerous journey, but he made it. Because of the way he escaped, he became known as Henry "Box" Brown.
Select the two details that are included in the text.
a) Henry Brown produced a moving panorama about slavery in America.
b) To escape slavery, Henry Brown mailed himself to Pennsylvania in a box.
c) Henry Brown's journey to freedom was difficult and full of risks.
b) To escape slavery, Henry Brown mailed himself to Pennsylvania in a box.
c) Henry Brown's journey to freedom was difficult and full of risks.
Read the text.
People with asthma may experience difficulty breathing due to inflammation, or swelling, of the inner surfaces of their airways (the passageways by which air reaches the lungs). This inflammation makes the passageways sensitive to further irritation. Exposure to substances in the air such as pollen or smoke may then trigger an asthma attack. During an attack, the muscles around the airways contract, narrowing the space through which oxygen can pass. This can prevent oxygen from entering or exiting the lungs properly. Possible symptoms during an attack include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
Which organizational structure does this text primarily use?
a) problem and solution
b) cause and effect
c) description
d) sequential
e) compare and contrast
b) cause and effect
Among the Rice Stalks
The smell of my mom's fry bread bubbling in oil hits my nose as soon as I run into the kitchen. It's one of my favorite Ojibwe foods, but I am almost too excited to notice.
"Mom!" I shout. "Morgan just texted me. A bunch of people from school are going to the mall tomorrow!"
"Oh, Laura," says my mom. "I'm sorry. Your grandfather called. He needs your help on the lake tomorrow."
"Mom, no! There's a movie playing—" I cry.
"Waabooz!" says my father sharply, using my Ojibwe name. I become quiet.
"Your grandfather wants to teach you how to harvest rice on the lake," he continues. "It's a good chance for you two to spend time together."
My parents love showing me videos of them harvesting rice with other adults in our tribe. Honestly, I cannot think of a more boring way to spend a Saturday, but I know I have to go.
Why can't Laura go to the mall with her friends?
a) Her grandfather wants to take her to harvest rice.
b) Her whole family wants to spend time together on the lake.
c) Her mother wants her to stay and help prepare food.
d) Her father is worried about the movie Laura wants to see.
a) Her grandfather wants to take her to harvest rice.