Main Idea and Details

Main Idea

100

(1) The middle of a pencil is filled with something that we call lead. There is a metal called lead, but this is not what pencil lead is made of. Pencil lead is actually made from something called graphite. (2) So, why is it called lead when lead is not even used? In the 1400s, the Romans did write with the metal called lead. But in the late 1400s, a soft rock was found to be better. People began to write with this soft rock instead. This soft rock became known as graphite. Even though pencils no longer used lead, the name “pencil lead” just stuck. What is the main idea of the first paragraph? A.when pencil lead was first made B.what pencil lead is made from C.how most pencils are made today D.why pencils use the metal lead

B. what pencil lead is made from

200

One cold day, a squirrel saw a mitten lying on the snow. The squirrel crawled inside where it was warm and cozy. Soon after, a rabbit joined the squirrel. The two animals fit just right until a skunk peeked in. Not wanting to anger the skunk, the rabbit invited it to stay. A fox then followed the skunk. All of the animals were very snug indeed. Before long, a bear came by. The bear insisted on using the mitten for his long winter nap. The bear squeezed in and a mouse did, too. It sat on the only space left-- the top of the bear's nose. The mouse's tail swished back and forth, back and forth. The bear sneezed like a roll of thunder. Out flew the animals! What is the passage mostly about? A. animals making a mitten their home B. a mouse causing trouble C. animals playing chess D. a bear with a cold

A. animals making a mitten their home

300

(1) The middle of a pencil is filled with something that we call lead. There is a metal called lead, but this is not what pencil lead is made of. Pencil lead is actually made from something called graphite. (2) So, why is it called lead when lead is not even used? In the 1400s, the Romans did write with the metal called lead. But in the late 1400s, a soft rock was found to be better. People began to write with this soft rock instead. This soft rock became known as graphite. Even though pencils no longer used lead, the name “pencil lead” just stuck. The second paragraph is mostly about A.how the Romans invented pencils. B.why graphite is better than lead. C.why pencil lead is called lead. D.how graphite was first found.

C. why pencil lead is called lead

400

Ice cream is one of the oldest desserts in history. An early form of ice cream was eaten by ancient Romans. The ancient Chinese also made a kind of ice cream. Around the 1500s, ice cream was served among the rich in Italy and France. In 1776, the first ice cream shop opened in New York City. Americans came up with the name "ice cream." Over time, ice cream changed. Today, ice cream comes in many flavors. What is the main idea of this paragraph? A. Ice cream is one of the oldest desserts in history. B. Americans came up with the name "ice cream." C.Today, ice cream comes in many flavors. D.An early form of ice cream was eaten by ancient Romans.

A. Ice cream is one of the oldest desserts in history.

500

Most people agree that exercise is good for the body. Exercise can help people feel good, too. It helps every part of the body. It even helps the mind. Getting enough exercise can make a person happy. It helps people feel more peaceful. It can also make a person feel less tired. Exercise helps some people sleep better. People will sometimes set exercise goals. When they reach their goals, they feel proud. Exercise is very good for the mind. Exercise can help people’s bodies to stay healthy, too. People who exercise usually have less fat. Exercise helps people lose weight. This can help someone stay at a healthy weight. It can also keep people from getting sick. People who exercise have healthier hearts. Exercise can help a person age well. As people get older, they will feel better if they exercise. When women get older, sometimes their bones can get weak. Exercise helps make bones stronger. Exercise is important and helps the body. This passage is mainly about A.how exercise can help people age well. B.how exercise can help people's hearts. C.why exercise is good for the body. D.why people should be at healthy weights.

C. why exercise is good for the body.

Support It!

100

Sam's second day at camp started badly. The campers hiked through some woods. Dry twigs scratched Sam's legs, and black bugs bit his arms. The stinky smell of a skunk made his eyes water. Sam walked behind the others. He wished he were at home. Then a boy named Cody started talking to Sam. It turned out that they liked playing the same games. They made a deal to try out for the camp softball team. Sam thought the next day at camp would be fun. Which detail supports that camp was not fun for Sam? A. Cody talks to Sam B. Cody and Sam like the same games C. Twigs scratch Sam's legs D. Sam will try out for softball

C. Twigs scratch Sam's legs

200

A local man named David Wayne wants people to slow down. He says that drivers often speed through his neighborhood. This makes it dangerous for the children who live there. He first began asking people to slow down when he moved to the neighborhood twenty-nine years ago. He has since asked the city to put in stop signs. The city claims that the neighborhood does not need stop signs. These days, Wayne sits in his front yard holding a sign that asks drivers to slow down. Which sentence from the article best describes the main idea? A.The city claims that the neighborhood does not need stop signs. B.A local man named David Wayne wants people to slow down. C.He says that drivers often speed through his neighborhood. D.This makes it dangerous for the children who live there.

B. A local man named David Wayne wants people to slow down.

300

Chippy the squirrel knew all the tricks. He went half-way down the tree trunk. He looked to the right and the left. He made sure no one was around. He made a quick leap over to the porch railing. Then it was just a few running steps and a quick jump. He would be flying through the air toward a pole that held a bird feeder. The bird feeder hung on a metal pole. It had a tray hanging under it. The tray caught all the bird seeds the birds dropped while they were eating. Chippy pulled himself up the pole. He sat on the tray. He ate until he was stuffed full with bird seed. Which event from the story supports the idea that Chippy wanted to make sure no one was around? A.He leapt fast over the porch railing. B.He looked at the tray under the feeder. C.He jumped quickly toward the pole. D.He looked to the right and the left.

D. He looked to the right and the left.

400

The magpie builds the best nests. All the birds asked her how she did it. She began to show them. First, she took some mud and made a round cake with it. "That's how it's done!" said the thrush, and it flew away. That's how thrushes build their nests. Then, the magpie took twigs and set them in the mud. "Now I know how!" said the blackbird, and off it flew. That's how blackbirds make their nests. Then, the magpie put another layer of mud over the twigs. "Of course!" said the owl, and away it flew. That's how owls make their nests. Every bird listened a little. None waited to the end. Finally, the magpie looked up and saw only the turtle-dove. She got angry and flew away. She said she would never tell them how to build nests again. That is why birds all make their nests differently. The magpie is angry at the end of the story. What detail from the story supports this idea? A.All the birds made better nests than she did. B.None of the other birds would leave her alone. C.All the birds but the turtle-dove had flown away. D.She did not like teaching the birds to build nests.

C. All the birds but the turtle-dove had flown away.

500

Once there was a girl named Terri. Terri was eight years old. She lived on a farm. She owned a pretty horse named Glory. Terri loved riding Glory more than anything. Glory spent her time playing in her corral. Terri forgot to close the gate once. Glory got out. Terri and her family looked everywhere for Glory. Terri found Glory with a thorn in her foot. She called the animal doctor to help Glory. The doctor made Glory better. Terri started making sure the gate was closed. Terri learned her lesson to be more careful with Glory. What event in the story supports this idea? A.Terri picked the thorns out of the grass by Glory's gate. B.Terri always made sure that the gate was closed tight. C.Terri made certain not to take Glory by any thorns. D.Terri always made sure that the doctor was close by.

B. Terri always made sure that the gate was closed tight.

Support It Again!

100

Squanto was a Native American who lived in what is now Massachusetts. When he was a young man, he was captured by the Spanish. He was sold as a slave. He escaped and went to England. He went back to New England in 1619 and found that many of his people had gotten sick and died. Two years later, he helped the Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony. They were starving. He helped them by teaching them how to fish and how to plant corn. Squanto helped the Pilgrims in New England. Which sentence best supports this idea? A.He helped them by teaching them how to fish and how to plant corn. B.He found that many of his people had gotten sick and died. C.Squanto was a Native American who lived in what is now Massachusetts. D.When he was a young man, he was captured by the Spanish.

A. He helped them by teaching them how to fish and how to plant corn.

200

Cairo, Egypt, is an amazing city. It is the largest city in Africa. It is on the banks of the Nile River. The Nile is the longest river in the world. Many people visit the city every year. Most of the people come to see the Pyramids of Giza. Some people will even ride their first camel in Cairo. Some visitors will take a boat ride down the Nile River. The city even has places that show how paper was first made. This paper is called papyrus. There is so much to learn about in Cairo. Which best describes the main idea of the passage? A.The Nile River runs through Cairo. B.Cairo is an amazing city. C.Many people live in Cairo. D.The Pyramids of Giza are in Cairo.

B. Cairo is an amazing city.

300

The best theme park is Epcot. It is located at Walt Disney World. Half of Epcot centers on science. In the other half, you can learn about other countries. This is my favorite part about Epcot. There are parts that look like France, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and other countries. So, you feel like you are really in each of the countries. In the France area, they even have a copy of the Eiffel Tower! The workers wear clothes that stand for the country they work in. Where else can you go in the U.S. and see culture from so many different places? Which sentence best describes the main idea? A.Epcot is inside Walt Disney World. B.There is a science area in Epcot. C.People can visit France at Epcot. D.Epcot is the greatest theme park.

D. Epcot is the greatest theme park.

400

Willie Mays was one of the greatest baseball players in history. He came from a sports background. Both of his parents were athletes. His mom was a fast runner in school. His dad played baseball. Willie learned how to catch a ball before he could walk. He played good baseball as a teenager. Willie started playing for the Giants in 1951. He was only 20 years old. He played centerfield for the team. He did not get a hit his first 12 times at bat. He quickly made up for that. Willie was a terrific outfielder and hitter. Other players admired him. He won the Most Valuable Player award twice. He quit playing in 1973 and was welcomed into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979. He still works for the Giants today. Willie's parents are one of the reasons he is good at sports. Which sentence best supports this idea? A.He still works for the Giants today. B.Both of his parents were athletes. C.Willie started playing for the Giants in 1951. D.He quickly made up for that.

B. Both of his parents were athletes

500

Weather reporters have to give out a lot of information. That's why they use pictures. The pictures help them tell us about the weather without using so many words. Weather reporters need to know where the cold air is. They need to know where the warm air is. They have to know where it is raining and what types of clouds are in the area. Their reports need to be correct, but they also need to be short. The pictures help weather reporters get the information out in a fast way. Which sentence best describes the main idea of the paragraph? A.Pictures help weather reporters get information out in a fast way. B.Weather reporters need to know where the cold air is. C.They have to know where it is raining and what types of clouds are in the area. D.Their reports need to be correct, but they also need to be short.

A. Pictures help weather reporters get information out in a fast way.

Titles

100

The Wright brothers built the first working airplane. They made the world's first flight. It took place on December 17, 1903. They flew near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Orville was at the controls. The plane flew 120 feet. It was in the air for 12 seconds. The brothers made three more flights that day. Wilbur made the longest flight. It lasted 59 seconds. The plane went 852 feet. Which is the best title for the paragraph above? A.The Last Flight of the Wright Brothers B.Christmas in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina C.The Longest Flight of the Wright Brothers D.The First Flights of the Wright Brothers

D. The First Flights of the Wright Brothers

200

Do you know how to make lemonade? There are three easy steps to make lemonade. First, get a pitcher full of water. Then pour in the lemonade mixture. Finally, stir it up and it is ready to drink. What would be a good title for this passage? A. Drinking Lemonade. B. How to Make Lemonade. C. Lemonade Stand. D. The Best Summer.

B. How to Make Lemonade.

300

Camouflage is an important adaptation for some animals. It keeps them hidden from predators that want to eat them. Blending in can help them sneak up on food they want to catch. An example of an insect with camouflage is the walking stick. What would be a good title for this selection? A. Animals Around the World. B. The Walking Stick. C. Animal Camouflage. D. Catching Food.

C. Animal Camouflage.

400

Football is an exciting team sport. It is played mostly in the United States and Canada. It is also called American football. The term “football” is used for other team sports around the world. For example, “football” in most countries is what the United States calls “soccer.” In the United States, football is played by two teams. There are 11 players on the field for each team. Each team tries to score points by running or passing plays. The plays move an oval-shaped ball across the other team’s goal line. This scores a touchdown. During a game, the ball goes back and forth between the teams. The team with the ball is called the offense. The other team is the defense. The defense tries to keep the offense from scoring. Which would be the best title for this passage? A.How to Play American Football B.Is it Soccer or is it Football? C.The History of Canadian Football D.How to Play Soccer in Canada

A. How to Play American Football.

500

Austin is the state capital of Texas. Many people visit the city each year. They tour the Texas State Capitol. They also visit the city's museums. Some people go to the Congress Avenue Bridge. The bridge is home to 1.5 million bats. The bats live there from spring to fall. People gather to watch the bats leave the bridge in the evening. Which is the best title for this paragraph? A.Things to Do in Austin B.Bat-watching in Austin C.Things to Do In Texas D.Taking a Tour of the Capitol

A. Things to Do in Austin

It Belongs

100

I had a wonderful time at the zoo for a few reasons. For starters, I loved seeing the ferocious lions and adorable monkeys. Also, I tasted yummy food like juicy hamburgers and salty popcorn. As you can see, the zoo was amazing! What would belong in this story? A. my favorite color is red B. I don't like carrots C. I got to see the tigers fighting with each other D. I learned how to tie my shoes

C. I got to see the tigers fighting with each other

200

I am very skilled at making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Spread peanut butter on one slice and jelly on the other slice. Join the slices together and enjoy your sandwich with a cold glass of milk. Which would belong in this story? A. get two slices of bread B. I'm seven years old C. playing games are fun D. I love chocolate ice cream

A. get two slices of bread

300

Coconuts are very delicious to eat. Are they fruits or nuts? The name makes people think it might be a nut. Shoppers can find them in grocery stores next to all the fruits. However, the coconut is neither a fruit nor a nut. It is actually a seed. Coconuts grow on tall coconut palm trees. If a coconut has not been picked from the tree, it will drop to the ground. The coconut's hard shell does not crack very easily. Sometimes, a coconut will sit under the tree for months. It might look dry and brown, but something is happening inside the shell. One day, a green shoot will push its way out of the shell. This shoot feeds off the juice and white part of the coconut while sitting under the tree. The baby plant then sprouts out of the shell and becomes a young coconut seedling. Roots start to come out of the shell and pull the plant into the ground. It then begins to grow into a beautiful coconut palm tree. The tree grows taller and taller. After five to seven years, it can make its own coconuts. The coconut palm tree can live 70 to 80 years. Which sentence belongs in the passage above? A.After sitting under a tree, the coconut is ready to grow. B.There are many things people can make with coconuts. C.Most people like to sit under coconut trees for shade. D.Coconuts are best to buy in stores during October.

A. After sitting under a tree, the coconut is ready to grow.

400

I prefer reading books more than watching TV. I love that I get to imagine what the characters look like. There's also a huge selection of books at the library. Reading books is a wonderful activity. Which sentence would belong? A. TV is so funny. B. I learn many things when I read. C. There was a dog eating pizza. D. Books fall apart easily.

B. I learn many things when I read.

500

I had so much fun in 2nd grade. It was great to learn how to write a paragraph. My class got to see tadpoles start to turn into frogs. Which sentence would belong? A. My dog is named Darling. B. There was a snake under my bed. C. It's good to eat cake with dinner. D. I made a lot of new friends.

D. I made a lot of new friends.