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100

What is main idea?

The point of a story or text. 

100

What are supporting details?

Details that support your main idea. They help explain or prove the main idea.

100

What is the Main Idea?

Scientists wear goggles to keep chemicals out of their eyes. Goggles protect swimmers' eyes from the water. Skiers wear goggles to keep snow & ice out of their eyes.

It is important to wear goggles to protect your eyes. 

100

What is the Main Idea?

Floods are dangerous. They can ruin houses, roads & buildings. Floods can take down trees & cause mudslides. It often leaves mud, sand & debris behind.  It can take months to clean up after a flood.

Floods can cause a lot of damage.
200

What is the Main Idea?

I have a dog named Boots. I taught him lots of tricks. When I tell him to, Boots will sit or lie down. He can also wave his paw to greet people. When I say, “Dance, Boots”, he will stand up on two legs and walk.

Boots can do tricks!

200

The Main Idea: Kangaroos protect themselves in many ways. 

If a kangaroo senses danger, they will bang their tail on the ground to warn the others. A newborn joey is only the size of your thumb.

What is the supporting detail?

If a kangaroo senses danger, they will bang their tail on the ground to warn the others.

200

What is the Main Idea?

Ballet dancers make dancing on their toes look easy. They do this by training for many hours each day. They must constantly practice learning the difficult moves & exercising to keep themselves in shape.  

Ballet dancers train hard every day.

200

What is the Main Idea?

Yesterday was my birthday. When I woke up, I noticed my brother Josh hung up a big sign that said, "Happy Birthday, Charles!" Mom made spaghetti for dinner. It's my favorite food in the whole world. My friend Dave came over & handed me a wrapped gift. I wondered what it was. It was a new basketball! I loved it!

Charles had a great birthday!
300

What is the main idea?

Jim's dog does not like to get wet. He avoids water at all costs. When Jim has to give his dog a bath, the dog tries to run away. The dog does not even like it when it rains.

Jim's dog does not like getting wet!

300

What is the main idea?

Peter's parents bought a new carpet for the living room. Now, he has to take his shoes off when he enters the house. He's also not allowed to eat or drink in the living room anymore. Peter's furry dog isn't allowed to play ball in there either. When his parents got the new carpet, there were lots of new rules so the new carpet stays clean.

Peter's parents made new rules to keep the carpet clean.

300

What is the Main Idea?

An orchestra is a group of musicians organized to perform music. The group is lead by a conductor, who makes sure the musicians keep the beat of the music. Instruments in an orchestra include the cello, violin, flute, clarinet, drums, trombone, & trumpet. When played together, the sounds of these instruments blend to make beautiful music!

An orchestra is made of many different instruments.

300

What is the Main idea?

Going to the beach is fun! Swimming is one thing that can be done at the beach. Snorkeling is another thing that can be enjoyed.  Playing beach volleyball can be a lot of fun. It is also fun to look for shells.  Some people simply like to sunbathe.

There are a lot of things to do at the beach.

400

What is the main idea? 

There are many ways for people to get from one place to another. The most common way to travel is by a motorized vehicle. If you are traveling with your family & not going far you may take a car. If you are going a long distance with more people you may ride in a van or bus. If you need to travel through water, you would need to take a boat. Many people choose to ride in an airplane when they need to go far away and get there quickly.

There are many ways to travel.

400

What is the Main Idea?

Corn was first grown by Native Americans. They showed the pilgrims how to grow corn as food. At one time, corn was used as money by pioneers. Corn is used as feed for farm animals. People also eat it as a vegetable. Oil, starch, and sugar can be made from corn.  Medicine, paper, fertilizer, and glue can be made from corn and corn products.

Corn is an important crop that can be used in many ways.

400

What is the Main Idea?

I can't wait until this weekend! We’re going to my grandparents’ house & my entire family will be there. I will spend most of my time playing games with my cousins. We always have such a good time together! The day goes by so fast, & by the end, we are all exhausted... but we still don’t want to leave!

The author enjoys spending time with their family.

400

What is the Main Idea?

When it comes to Christmas trees, there are two great options: artificial & real. Some families love their tradition of visiting a Christmas tree farm & picking out the perfect tree. This involves searching among many trees, cutting it down, & driving it home safely on the top of the car. However, some families prefer artificial, or fake, trees. Some say they are easier to handle & don’t cause winter allergies.

There are two types of Christmas Trees to choose from.
500

What is the Main Idea?

Most people think that gorillas are mean, but actually, they are shy. It seems that such a huge animal with very large teeth would be aggressive. Hollywood movies help convey this image of the scary, ferocious gorilla. In fact, gorillas only attack if they are provoked. However, gorillas usually don't have to fight other animals because of their impressive size.

Gorillas are misunderstood as vicious animals.

500

What is the Main Idea?

This was Kathy's first babysitting job. She was so excited, but she was really nervous. Kathy's parents made her attend a babysitting workshop before she could babysit her neighbor's five-year-old son, Matthew. Kathy knew this was a lot of responsibility, but she thought she was ready. Kathy marched confidently to Matthew's house & waved goodbye to Matthew's parents. It seemed as soon as his parents left, Matthew fell & hit his chin on the coffee table. Without panicking, she remembered what she learned in her babysitting class & applied first-aid.

Kathy is trained & ready for babysitting.

500

What is the Main Idea?

Scissors, glue, and construction paper covered the desks of every student in the classroom. Mrs. Brown was getting ready to hand out heart-shaped candies. Students were talking softly as they cut out hearts and colored with markers & crayons. In just 10 minutes they would start their Valentine's Day party.

The class was getting ready for their Valentine's Day Party.

500

What is the Main Idea?

Christmas carols began in Europe thousands of years ago. They began as typical songs & soon became songs commonly sung at Christmas time. Today, people gather together & sing Christmas carols in their neighborhoods, schools, nursing homes, or shopping malls. Singing Christmas carols is one of the oldest Christmas traditions we still celebrate today.

Christmas carols are an old tradition.

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