Main Idea 1
Main Idea 2
Supporting Details 1
Supporting Details 2
Summarizing
100

A blizzard is a weather event that occurs most often during the wintertime. Blizzards happen when there are very low temperatures, high winds, and a severe snowstorm. Schools and other workplaces are often closed during blizzards, and it can be very dangerous to travel during a blizzard.  Blizzards are major snow events.

What is the main idea?

Blizzards are major snow events in the winter.

100

Technology has changed a lot in the last one hundred years. One hundred years ago, there were no cell phones, computers, or televisions. Now, almost every home has several phones, computers, and televisions! iPhones and iPads were not even invented until 2007, but now they are all over the world and even in many classrooms! Can you imagine how living one hundred years ago would have been different with all of the advances in technology?

What is the main idea?

Technology is very different now than it was 100 years ago.

100

A blizzard is a weather event that occurs most often during the wintertime. Blizzards happen when there are very low temperatures, high winds, and a severe snowstorm. Schools and other workplaces are often closed during blizzards, and it can be very dangerous to travel during a blizzard.  Blizzards are major snow events.

Give one detail that supports the main idea.

Possible answer:

It can be very dangerous to travel during a blizzard.

100

Technology has changed a lot in the last one hundred years. One hundred years ago, there were no cell phones, computers, or televisions. Now, almost every home has several phones, computers, and televisions! iPhones and iPads were not even invented until 2007, but now they are all over the world and even in many classrooms! Can you imagine how living one hundred years ago would have been different with all of the advances in technology?

Give one detail that supports the main idea.

Possible answer:

iPhones and iPads were not even invented until 2007, but now they are all over the world and even in many classrooms!

100

Dogs and wolves are part of the same animal family. Both animals have strong senses of smell and are loyal to their packs. But dogs and wolves are quite different when it comes to people. Dogs are used to living with people and get a long well with them. In fact, dogs have been called "man's best friend." Wolves, on the other hand, cannot live with humans. Wolves prefer to live in the wild, where they can hunt for their food. Clearly, dogs belong with people, while wolves do not.

Briefly summarize this passage.

Possible summary:

Dogs and wolves have many similarities and differences. They both have a great sense of smell and are loyal. However, dogs are able to live with humans, while wolves are not.

200

The Titanic was a massive ship that sunk on its maiden (first) voyage in 1912. The ship was said to be unsinkable, but when it struck an iceberg, part of the ship's hull had holes torn into it. The passengers on board the ship had very little time to exit the ship, and many people died. The Titanic sank two hours after it hit the berg. The sinking of the ship is still remembered and taught by teachers today.

What is the main idea?

The Titanic sunk on its maiden voyage.

200

If you wear glasses, it is very important to take good care of them. If you are not wearing your glasses, always keep them safely in a case, and make sure to carry a special cleaning cloth with you (using a paper towel or washcloth can put tiny scratches in the lenses). If you notice a lens coming loose, take it to your eye doctor right away. Finally, don't ever share your glasses with anyone so that they stay looking good as new.

What is the main idea?

It is important to take care of your glasses.

200

The Titanic was a massive ship that sunk on its maiden (first) voyage in 1912. The ship was said to be unsinkable, but when it struck an iceberg, part of the ship's hull had holes torn into it. The passengers on board the ship had very little time to exit the ship, and many people died. The Titanic sank two hours after it hit the berg. The sinking of the ship is still remembered and taught by teachers today.

Give one detail that supports the main idea.

Possible answer:

The ship was said to be unsinkable, but when it struck an iceberg, part of the ship's hull had holes torn into it.

200

If you wear glasses, it is very important to take good care of them. If you are not wearing your glasses, always keep them safely in a case, and make sure to carry a special cleaning cloth with you (using a paper towel or washcloth can put tiny scratches in the lenses). If you notice a lens coming loose, take it to your eye doctor right away. Finally, don't ever share your glasses with anyone so that they stay looking good as new.

Give one detail that supports the main idea.

Possible answer:

If you notice a lens coming loose, take it to your eye doctor right away.

200

When people think of Antarctica, they think of snow and ice. When people think of deserts, they think of sun, heat, and sand. Yet in spite of its cold temperatures, Antarctica is actually a desert. In fact, it is the largest desert on the planet. A desert is a very dry environment that receives less than ten inches of precipitation yearly. On average, Antarctica gets less than two inches. Most of that precipitation is in the form of snow, but rain or ice can sometimes fall as well.

Briefly summarize this passage.

Possible summary:

Although Antarctica is cold and has snow, it is considered a desert due to its dry environment and receiving less than ten inches of precipitation a year.

300

No matter where you go, you can almost always find a hotel. Whether you are visiting Disney World, the beach, New York City, or a small town in South Carolina, there is sure to be a hotel that will fit your needs. There is even a hotel made of snow and ice in Sweden! It is unlikely that you would ever need to drive more than twenty minutes to find a hotel room for the night.

What is the main idea?

You can find a hotel to stay in anywhere you go.

300

Taking steps to prevent getting sick is important for you, your friends, and society. It is very easy for germs to spread and cause many people to get sick. Children in schools often become sick because they spend so much time in a small classroom, so it's important to wash your hands many times per day, sanitize your desk at night, and avoid sharing food and drink. At home, you can take vitamins, eat foods high in Vitamin C, and get a lot of rest to avoid getting sick.

What is the main idea?

There are many things you can do to prevent getting sick.

300

No matter where you go, you can almost always find a hotel. Whether you are visiting Disney World, the beach, New York City, or a small town in South Carolina, there is sure to be a hotel that will fit your needs. There is even a hotel made of snow and ice in Sweden! It is unlikely that you would ever need to drive more than twenty minutes to find a hotel room for the night.

Give one detail that supports the main idea.

Possible answer:

There is even a hotel made of snow and ice in Sweden!

300

Taking steps to prevent getting sick is important for you, your friends, and society. It is very easy for germs to spread and cause many people to get sick. Children in schools often become sick because they spend so much time in a small classroom, so it's important to wash your hands many times per day, sanitize your desk at night, and avoid sharing food and drink. At home, you can take vitamins, eat foods high in Vitamin C, and get a lot of rest to avoid getting sick.

Give one detail that supports the main idea.

Possible answer:

At home, you can take vitamins, eat foods high in Vitamin C, and get a lot of rest to avoid getting sick.

300

According to many studies, eating nuts may be good for your heart. Nuts contain good fats, vitamin E, and fiber, all of which are heart-healthy. Some people may not buy nuts often because they are expensive, but there are many less expensive foods that have the same health benefits as nuts. Peanuts, for example, are also good for your heart. Despite their name, peanuts are not actually nuts. They are legumes, like beans. Eating true nuts or peanuts can be good for your health.

Briefly summarize the passage.

True nuts and peanuts are good for your heart. They are full of heart-healthy benefits.

400

Baking different types of cookies is a favorite hobby of many people. There are so many different types of cookies to bake that the possibilities are almost endless! There are chocolate chip cookies, shortbread cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, peanut butter cookies, sugar cookies, molasses cookies, and so many more types of cookies to bake!

What is the main idea?

There are many different types of cookies to bake.

400

Deciding to plant a garden is a very big undertaking. First of all, you must find out which types of plants are best suited to grow in your climate. Second, you must prepare the ground and make sure no wild animals can get to your garden and damage it. Third, it is important to carefully plant the seeds or flowers and water them just the right amount. Finally, you must make sure your garden gets just the right amount of sun to keep your plants and flowers alive. Planting a garden can be a complicated job!

What is the main idea?

Planting a garden is a lot of work.

400

Baking different types of cookies is a favorite hobby of many people. There are so many different types of cookies to bake that the possibilities are almost endless! There are chocolate chip cookies, shortbread cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, peanut butter cookies, sugar cookies, molasses cookies, and so many more types of cookies to bake!

Give one detail that supports the main idea.

Possible answer:

There are chocolate chip and shortbread cookies.

400

Deciding to plant a garden is a very big undertaking. First of all, you must find out which types of plants are best suited to grow in your climate. Second, you must prepare the ground and make sure no wild animals can get to your garden and damage it. Third, it is important to carefully plant the seeds or flowers and water them just the right amount. Finally, you must make sure your garden gets just the right amount of sun to keep your plants and flowers alive. Planting a garden can be a complicated job!

Give one detail that supports the main idea.

Possible answer: 

You must prepare the ground and make sure no wild animals can get to your garden and damage it.

400

A female kangaroo has a special fold of skin that forms a pouch. When a baby kangaroo, or joey, is born, it climbs into its mother's pouch. At birth, a joey is only about one inch in length. It needs to stay in the pouch so it can develop more. After several months, the joey has grown enough to leave the pouch for short periods of time. Between seven and ten months of age, it is ready to leave the pouch for good.

Briefly summarize this passage.

A baby kangaroo stays in its mother's pouch until it is strong enough to live on its own. When it is born, it is so tiny that it needs the protection its mother's pouch to develop more. It is able to leave the pouch when it is about 10 months old.

500

Milk is the perfect beverage for many different reasons. Almost all babies begin their lives by drinking milk. You can even add a little bit of chocolate syrup to milk to make chocolate milk. Have you ever dipped an Oreo into milk? It is the best! Milk is also used in many different recipes and to make delicious milkshakes. Our world would be so different without this perfect drink.

What is the main idea?

Milk is a very important drink.

500

Everywhere you go, there are advertisements trying to get you to buy or do something. As you drive down the street, you may see a billboard advertising a hotel or restaurant. When you are shopping at the mall, signs out front of stores will alert you to special sales. If you listen to the radio while you're doing homework, a commercial will inform you about a show coming to town soon. We can't forget about television advertising-commercials! Almost every single television channel has commercials between their shows. Advertisements have become a part of the American culture.

What is the main idea?

There are advertisements everywhere.

500

Milk is the perfect beverage for many different reasons. Almost all babies begin their lives by drinking milk. You can even add a little bit of chocolate syrup to milk to make chocolate milk. Have you ever dipped an Oreo into milk? It is the best! Milk is also used in many different recipes and to make delicious milkshakes. Our world would be so different without this perfect drink.

Give one detail that supports the main idea.

Possible answer:

Milk is used in many different recipes and to make milkshakes.

500

Everywhere you go, there are advertisements trying to get you to buy or do something. As you drive down the street, you may see a billboard advertising a hotel or restaurant. When you are shopping at the mall, signs out front of stores will alert you to special sales. If you listen to the radio while you're doing homework, a commercial will inform you about a show coming to town soon. We can't forget about television advertising-commercials! Almost every single television channel has commercials between their shows. Advertisements have become a part of the American culture.

Give one detail that supports the main idea.

Possible answer:

As you drive down the street, you may see a billboard advertising a hotel or restaurant.

500

Black widow spiders are far more dangerous to animals than they are to people. The spiders catch beetles, flies, and other insects in their webs and wrap them in silk. Then, they suck the insects out and eat them. Female black widows sometimes even kill and eat their mates! People, on the other hand, are usually safe from black widows. The spiders only bite to defend themselves. A person who is bitten by a black widow may experience aches or upset stomachs.

Briefly summarize this passage.

Possible summary:

Black widows are more of a threat to other insects than they are to people. They trap and eat insects in their webs. They only bite humans in self-defense, and the effects are usually an upset stomach or aches.

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