Name That Main Idea
Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus in 1955. Her quiet act of defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a key moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
What is the main idea of this passage?
What is Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her bus seat became a powerful moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
What detail shows Rosa Parks’ act was important?
It started the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Summarize the Rosa Parks passage in one sentence.
Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat sparked a major civil rights protest.
Why do you think Rosa Parks’ action inspired so many?
Because it was a brave stand against injustice.
Do you think Rosa Parks knew her act would spark a movement? Why or why not?
Likely not; she acted out of principle, but it inspired a larger movement.
Honeybees play a crucial role in pollination. Without them, many of the foods we eat, such as fruits and vegetables, would become scarce.
What is the main idea?
what is Honeybees are essential for pollination and our food supply.
What evidence supports that bees are important for food supply?
Without them, fruits and vegetables would become scarce.
Paraphrase: “Honeybees play a crucial role in pollination.”
Honeybees are very important for helping plants grow
What can you infer about our food supply if bees disappeared?
We would have fewer fruits and vegetables.
If bees vanished, what solutions could humans create to replace pollination?
Artificial pollination, robotic bees, or planting self-pollinating crops.
In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the title character is driven by ambition. His desire for power leads to tragic consequences for himself and others.
What is the main idea?
what is Ambition can lead to destruction, as shown in Macbeth.
What detail shows Macbeth’s downfall is connected to ambition?
His desire for power leads to tragic consequences.
Summarize Macbeth’s conflict in 1–2 sentences.
Macbeth’s ambition drives him to seek power, but it leads to his downfall.
What does Macbeth teach us about human nature?
Ambition can cause people to make destructive choices.
Do you agree with the message that ambition is dangerous (Macbeth)? Explain with evidence.
Yes/No, supported with reasoning (e.g., ambition can be good if balanced).
Social media connects people worldwide, but it can also spread misinformation quickly. This dual nature makes it both a powerful tool and a risky platform.
What is the main idea?
Social media is both helpful and harmful because it spreads information and misinformation.
What evidence shows social media can be harmful?
It can spread misinformation quickly.
Paraphrase: “Social media connects people worldwide, but it can also spread misinformation.”
Social media links people but also spreads false information
Why might misinformation spread faster than truth on social media?
False information often appeals to emotions and spreads quickly.
Evaluate: Is social media more helpful or harmful to society?
Answers may vary but must use evidence from the passage.
Frederick Douglass once said, “Knowledge makes a man unfit to be a slave.” His journey from slavery to becoming a writer and leader demonstrates the power of education to transform lives.
What is the main idea?
What is education can empower people and bring freedom.
What evidence shows education was powerful for Frederick Douglass?
He escaped slavery and became a leader through knowledge.
Summarize Douglass’ message about education in one powerful sentence.
Education is the key to freedom and empowerment.
What does Douglass’ quote suggest about the link between knowledge and freedom?
Knowledge gives people the power to resist oppression.
Create: Rewrite Frederick Douglass’ quote in your own words while keeping its meaning.
Example: “Learning makes it impossible to accept slavery.”