Find the Main Idea
Inferencing!
Good or Bad?
Part of Speech
Descriptive Language
100
My dog is called Buttons, and he learns new tricks really quickly. When I say “Hands”, he will give me one of his front paws. He can even walk on two legs when I tell him to. It only took me three days to teach him these tricks. I don’t think other dogs can learn as quickly as Buttons. He is the best.
What is the main idea?
a. My dog is not clever.
b. My dog is the smartest dog.
c. I wish I can be a good dog trainer.
B. My dog is the smartest dog.
100
Your friend walks past you and wipes a tear from her eyes. She looks down at her report card with a melancholy gaze. What can you infer?
She did not get good grades.
100
Is this a good or bad claim to make?
Students should not be allowed to listen to music during class because, if the music is too loud, it could distract others.
Good!
It makes sense, has a clear and focused opinion, and includes detailed reasons.
100
a person, place, thing, or idea
Noun
100
Whoosh!
Onomatopoeia
200
Did you know that giraffes are the tallest animals in the world? They are unique in other ways, too. For one thing, they sleep only about 20 minutes each day and, usually, not more than five minutes at a time. (They have to remain alert for predators.) Also, every giraffe’s coat is unique and varies in color from white to nearly black, depending on what they eat and where they live.
The main idea of this passage is:
a. Giraffes don’t sleep very much.
b. Giraffes are unique animals.
c. There are many animals in the world.
d. No animal is taller than a giraffe.
B. Giraffes are unique animals.
200
How would you describe Violet based on this quote?
"I hate the idea of having all those people out there watching me...I just don't like it when I'm around so many people. I wish I just could hide somewhere," whispered Violet.
She is shy or introverted and does not like a lot of attention.
200
Teachers should give more homework because students need more practice before a test.
Good.
BONUS: What is a counterclaim?
200
an action word or state of being
Verb
200
The smell of fresh coffee wafted through the warm apartment.
Imagery (smell & tactile)
300
If you are feeling sad, you can make yourself feel better by doing a few simple things. You can take a walk (or get another form of exercise), you can talk to a friend, or you can write down your feelings. Writing down the good things in your life will help too. Doing something good for someone else will also help you feel better. If you still feel a little sad, act happy. It can work like magic to make you feel better!
The main idea of this passage is:
a. Sometimes people feel sad
b. You should do good things for others
c. We’re not always happy
d. There are many ways to make yourself feel better
D. There are many ways to make yourself feel better.
300
A character is holding a diaper, has spit on their shirt, and a bottle warming. What can you infer about them?
The character is a parent of a young child.
300
I believe violent video games should be banned because they encourage bad behaviors.
Bad.
This claim provides good evidence but uses first-person "I", instead of an objective third-person point of view.
300
a word that describes a noun
Adjective
300
The wind whipped water at her face.
Alliteration
400
The first ukuleles were developed in Hawaii in the 1800s as a result of Portuguese influence. Native Hawaiians enjoyed music from a Portuguese instrument called the machete and adapted it to suit Hawaiian tastes. The ukulele spread to mainland America during the 1910s, where it became an immediate sensation. They quickly became very popular because they could be quickly and cheaply made from a small amount of wood. After the World Wars, plastic ukuleles revitalized the declining ukulele fad by making them even more affordable to the average American. Today, ukuleles are still enjoyed by many enthusiasts and come in a wide variety of shapes and sounds.
What is the central idea of today’s passage?
a. Plastic ukuleles are important classical instruments.
b. Ukuleles were developed in Hawaii and are still popular today.
c. Portuguese instruments inspired the ukulele.
B. Ukuleles were developed in Hawaii and are still popular today.
400
What is the relationship between these two people?
They are most likely relatives, maybe mother and daughter.
BONUS: What do you think the woman in brown is saying?
400
I believe they should go to bed earlier.
Bad.
It doesn't say who should go to bed earlier, and there are no details.
400
A word that describes a verb, adverb, or adjective.
Adverb
400
"We love taking tests," the students exclaimed.
Irony (sarcasm)
500
Although many people think a koala is a bear, it is not. The koala is a type of mammal called a marsupial. A kangaroo is also a marsupial. These mammals carry their babies in a pouch. The kangaroo’s pouch is on her stomach, but the koala’s pouch is on her back. Both feed their babies milk and keep them secure in their pouch until they are strong enough to survive on their own.
The koala and the kangaroo are both marsupials, but they have some differences.
500
Richard's phone kept buzzing during his meeting. When he looked at it, he was annoyed. Why?
His friend kept texting him when Richard couldn't respond. The Dude should have waited for Richard to respond.
500
Do you think teachers should give less homework?
Bad.
This is a question not a claim, and it provides no supporting details.
500
A word that connects two simple sentences or an independent or dependent clause.
Conjunction
500
What types of imagery do you see here?
"I listened to the birds chirp and sing see-saws up in the trees that were beginning to burst out in brilliant pink and white buds. The earth smelled fresh with greenery that was finally emerging with the new season of life"?
auditory (sound), visual (sight), smell