Main Idea 1
A 1943 copper penny could be worth as much as 50 thousand dollars. In 1943, most pennies were made out of steel since copper was needed for World War II, so the 1943 copper penny is very rare. Another rarity is the 1955 double-die penny. These pennies were mistakenly double-stamped, so they have overlapping dates and letters. If it doesn't show signs of wear and is still shiny, it can easily be sold for $25,000 at an auction. Now that’s a pretty penny! What is the main idea of this passage?
a. In 1943 most pennies were made out of steel
b. The government might be getting rid of pennies
c. Rare pennies are worth a lot of money
d. Coins have been made for many decades
c. Rare pennies are worth a lot of money.
A 1943 copper penny could be worth as much as 50 thousand dollars. In 1943, most pennies were made out of steel since copper was needed for World War II, so the 1943 copper penny is very rare. Another rarity is the 1955 double-die penny. These pennies were mistakenly double-stamped, so they have overlapping dates and letters. If it doesn't show signs of wear and is still shiny, it can easily be sold for $25,000 at an auction. Now that’s a pretty penny! What is a supporting detail in this passage?
a. Rare pennies are worth a lot of money
b. The process of making pennies has changed over time
c. f it doesn't show signs of wear and is still shiny, it can easily be sold for $25,000 at an auction
d. The value of a rare penny goes up each year
c. f it doesn't show signs of wear and is still shiny, it can easily be sold for $25,000 at an auction
Wolverines are medium sized mammals. They weigh no more than 50 pounds. Yet they have earned their reputation for ferociousness by killing prey many times their size. But why do they get in so many fights? The reason why wolverines have so many conflicts with other animals (including wolves, cougars, and even bears) is probably because of the wolverine's preferred hunting style. Rather than chasing down or tricking its prey like most hunters, the wolverine prefers to take its meals directly from other hunters. So while a polar bear or a lone wolf might be enjoying a hard-earned carcass, a hungry wolverine may try to take his lunch. As you might imagine, this style of hunting get the wolverine in plenty of fights. What is the main idea of this passage?
a. Wolverines have a unique hunting style
b. Wolverines take the prey of other animals
c. Wolverines share common ancestry with dogs
d. Wolverines prefer to hunt at nighttime
a. Wolverines have a unique hunting style
Wolverines are medium sized mammals. They weigh no more than 50 pounds. Yet they have earned their reputation for ferociousness by killing prey many times their size. But why do they get in so many fights? The reason why wolverines have so many conflicts with other animals (including wolves, cougars, and even bears) is probably because of the wolverine's preferred hunting style. Rather than chasing down or tricking its prey like most hunters, the wolverine prefers to take its meals directly from other hunters. So while a polar bear or a lone wolf might be enjoying a hard-earned carcass, a hungry wolverine may try to take his lunch. As you might imagine, this style of hunting get the wolverine in plenty of fights. What is a supporting detail of this passage?
a. Wolverines have a different style of hunting
b. Wolverines do not get along with other animals
c. A hungry wolverine may try and take the lunch of a polar bear or wolf
d. Wolverines have an interesting evolution
c. A hungry wolverine may try and take the lunch of a polar bear or wolf
If cotton candy had a list of ingredients on the side of the bag, it would be a very short list. Sugar and food coloring would be the only two things on it. So, how does sugar become the fluffy treat that we know as cotton candy? The process starts with a small amount of colored sugar spinning in the head of the machine. The sugar is heated until it melts. Then it is squeezed out through tiny holes in the spinning head. The melted sugar becomes solid and is caught in a larger bowl that surrounds the spinning head. The product builds up in the bowl. The person running the machine should twirl a stick to gather the sugared strands. You may not have a cotton candy machine lying around your house, but you probably have all the ingredients to make it! What is the main idea of this passage?
a. Cotton Candy is commonly sold at fairs
b. Cotton Candy can give you cavities
c. Making Cotton Candy is simple and only needs a few ingredients
d. Cotton Candy is made from sugar and food dye
c. Making Cotton Candy is simple and only needs a few ingredients
Being a clown isn't all fun and games. Rodeo clowns expose themselves to great danger every time they perform. When cowboys dismount or bulls buck them off, rodeo clowns jump in front of the bulls and motion wildly to get their attention. In this way rodeo clowns provide an alternate target, and in doing so protect the rider. Of course, this is a very dangerous thing to do. So you see, sometimes clowning around can be serious business. What is the main idea of this paragraph?
a. Bulls can get seriously injured in rodeos
b. Being a rodeo clown can actually be very dangerous
c. Clowns can entertain at many different venues
d. Rodeo clowns jump in front of bulls to get their attention
b. Being a rodeo clown can actually be very dangerous.
Being a clown isn't all fun and games. Rodeo clowns expose themselves to great danger every time they perform. When cowboys dismount or bulls buck them off, rodeo clowns jump in front of the bulls and motion wildly to get their attention. In this way rodeo clowns provide an alternate target, and in doing so protect the rider. Of course, this is a very dangerous thing to do. So you see, sometimes clowning around can be serious business. What is a supporting detail in this passage?
a. When cowboys dismount or bulls buck them off, rodeo clowns jump in front of the bulls and motion wildly to get their attention
b. Being a rodeo clown is very dangeous
c. Bulls can get harmed in the rodeo
d. Rodeo clowns have been around for many years
a. When cowboys dismount or bulls buck them off, rodeo clowns jump in front of the bulls and motion wildly to get their attention
It is estimated that over twenty million pounds of candy corn are sold in the US each year. Brach’s, the top manufacturer, sells enough candy corn to circle the earth 4.25 times if each piece were laid end to end. That’s a lot of candy corn, but that’s nothing compared to the production of Tootsie Rolls. Over 64 million Tootsie Rolls are produced every day! But even Tootsie Rolls have got nothing on the candy industry’s staple product: chocolate. Confectioners manufacture over twenty billion pounds of chocolate in the United States each year. Now that’s a mouthful! What is the main idea of this passage?
a. Over 64 million Tootsi Rolls are made each day
b. Over 20 million pounds of candy corn are sold each year
c. Over 20 billion pounds of chocolate are made each year
d. The three most popular candies in the US are Tootsie Rolls, Candy Corn, and Chocolate
d. The three most popular candies in the US are Tootsie Rolls, Candy Corn, and Chocolate
It is estimated that over twenty million pounds of candy corn are sold in the US each year. Brach’s, the top manufacturer, sells enough candy corn to circle the earth 4.25 times if each piece were laid end to end. That’s a lot of candy corn, but that’s nothing compared to the production of Tootsie Rolls. Over 64 million Tootsie Rolls are produced every day! But even Tootsie Rolls have got nothing on the candy industry’s staple product: chocolate. Confectioners manufacture over twenty billion pounds of chocolate in the United States each year. Now that’s a mouthful! What is a supporting detail of this passage?
a. Dentists have seen an increase rise in cavities due to the increase sugar consumption in the US
b. The three most popular candies in the US are Tootsie Rolls, Candy Corn, and Chocolate
c. Over 20 billion pounds of chocolate are made each year
d. Candy sales are highest around the holidays
c. Over 20 billion pounds of chocolate are made each year
Tim and his family went fishing today. They stopped on the way to the lake and bought all of their favorite snacks. When they got to the lake, they ate and then started fishing. Tim caught four fish, and his brother caught three. They laughed and gave each other a high-five every time they caught a fish. The whole family had a great time. Maybe they would go fishing again soon. What is the main idea of this passage?
a. The family's first fishing trip was a success
b. They caught a total of 7 fish
c. They will start an annual fishing trip
d. Tim's family had a great time fishing
d. Tim's family had a great time fishing
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. What is the main idea of this passage?
a. Giraffes are unique animals
b. You can see a giraffe in the zoo
c. Giraffes only sleep for about 20 minutes a day
d. Giraffes have numerous predators
a. Giraffes are unique animals.
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. What is a supporting detail in this passage?
a. Giraffes are unique animals
b. Giraffes have evolved to have super long necks
c. Giraffes don't sleep for more than 5 minutes at a time
d. Giraffes have several natural predators in the wild
c. Giraffes don't sleep for more than 5 minutes at a time
Lucy would never get her room clean. It looked like a tornado had hit it. She couldn’t believe how much damage her friends had done. They pulled everything out and didn’t put anything back. Glue was spilled all over her rug, and fingernail polish was spilled on her new bedspread. They had even wiped their chocolate covered fingers on her curtains. Wow! What a mess. What is the main idea of this passage?
a. Lucy's friends were creating an art project for school
b. Lucy's friends like chocolate
c. Lucy has really messy friends
d. One of Lucy's chores is keeping her room clean
c. Lucy has really messy friends
Lucy would never get her room clean. It looked like a tornado had hit it. She couldn’t believe how much damage her friends had done. They pulled everything out and didn’t put anything back. Glue was spilled all over her rug, and fingernail polish was spilled on her new bedspread. They had even wiped their chocolate covered fingers on her curtains. Wow! What a mess. What is a supporting detail of this passage?
a. Glue was spilled on the rug and fingernail polish was spilled on the bed
b. Lucy's mom is going to be mad her room is a mess
c. Lucy is trying to impress her friends
d. Lucy will have to spend hours to clean the mess up
a. Glue was spilled on the rug and fingernail polish was spilled on the bed
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 main idea of the passage?
a. Plastic ukuleles are important classical instruments.
b. Ukuleles developed in Hawaii and are still popular today.
c. Portuguese instruments inspired the ukulele.
d. The first Ukulele was created in the 1800s
b. Ukuleles developed in Hawaii and are still popular today.
The brain is the most complicated system in the human body. The brain is separated into two hemispheres or halves. From front to back, the brain is further divided into three parts: the forebrain, the midbrain, and the hindbrain. The forebrain is where most reasoning, thinking, and emotional activity occur. It is also where most memories are stored. The midbrain controls reflexes and processes sensory information (sight, touch, taste, etc.) The hindbrain processes basic survival functions, like breathing and maintaining a heartbeat. The brain is truly the most amazing system in the human body. What is the main idea of this passage?
The brain is an amazing system in the human body
The brain is the most complicated system in the human body. The brain is separated into two hemispheres or halves. From front to back, the brain is further divided into three parts: the forebrain, the midbrain, and the hindbrain. The forebrain is where most reasoning, thinking, and emotional activity occur. It is also where most memories are stored. The midbrain controls reflexes and processes sensory information (sight, touch, taste, etc.) The hindbrain processes basic survival functions, like breathing and maintaining a heartbeat. The brain is truly the most amazing system in the human body. What is a supporting detail of this passage?
The brain is separated into two hemispheres or halves; The brain is further divided into three parts; The forebrain is where reasoning occurs/memories are stored; the midbrain controls reflexes/processes sensory info; the hindbrain processes basic survival functions
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. What is the main idea of this passage?
Koala Bears and Kangaroos are both marsupials, but they share several differences
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. What is a supporting detail in this passage?
Marsupials 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
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! What is the main idea of this passage?
There are several different things you can do when you're feeling sad to make yourself feel better
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 of this passage?
My dog is the smartest dog
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 a supporting detail in this passage?
My dog knows the commang "hands" ; he can walk on two legs; it only took 3 days to train him
When we hear the term "reality" applied to a show, we might expect that the events on the show occurred naturally and were not scripted. This is not always the case. Many reality shows occur in unreal environments, like rented mansions occupied by film crews. Such living environments do not reflect what most people understand to be "reality." Worse, there have been accusations that events not captured on film were later re-created by producers. Worse still, some involved in the production of "reality" television claim that the participants were urged to act out storylines that were planned out by producers. With such accusations floating around, it's no wonder many people take reality TV to be about as real as the sitcom. What is the main idea of this passage?
"Reality" TV shows do not actually show real-life events or environments.
When we hear the term "reality" applied to a show, we might expect that the events on the show occurred naturally and were not scripted. This is not always the case. Many reality shows occur in unreal environments, like rented mansions occupied by film crews. Such living environments do not reflect what most people understand to be "reality." Worse, there have been accusations that events not captured on film were later re-created by producers. Worse still, some involved in the production of "reality" television claim that the participants were urged to act out storylines that were planned out by producers. With such accusations floating around, it's no wonder many people take reality TV to be about as real as the sitcom. What is a supporting detail in this passage?
Sometimes events on reality shows are scripted; reality shows occur in unreal environments; events are re-created by producers; participants are urged to act out storylines
There are many types of deadly venom in the animal kingdom, but perhaps no stranger carrier than the platypus. The platypus is one of few venomous mammals. Male platypus carry a venom mixture in their ankles. This venom incapacitates victims with excruciating pain. Stranger still, the platypus is the only mammal that uses electroreception. That means that the platypus uses its bill to sense the electricity produced by the muscular movements of its prey. Electroreception is a sixth sense, different from seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, or feeling. Perhaps most odd, the platypus is the only mammal that lays eggs rather than giving birth to live young. What an odd creature indeed. What is the main idea of this passage?