Main Idea 1
Main Idea 2
100

Steel is a very important metal which is used for many purposes. In the the United States the automobile industry uses the most steel. Steel is used in putting up buildings. Cans and containers are made from steel. Steel is used to make farm and factory machines. 

What is the Main Idea?

A. The United States uses steel for cars.
B. Steel is used to make cans and containers.
C. Steel is an important metal used for many purposes.
D. Steel is only used in factories.

C. Steel is an important metal used for many purposes.

100

My dog is named 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 smartest. 

What is the main idea?

a. My dog is not clever.

b. My dog is the smartest

 c. I wish I could be a good dog trainer.

b. My dog is the smartest

200

You can learn about science, math, art, and many other subject areas in school. School has a lot of books for you to read. The teachers create fun activities to make learning fun. There are also a lot of other kids here, whom you can become friends to study together. School is a great place to learn about many things.

What is the main idea? 

a.) Teachers make learning fun

b.) School is a great place to learn

c.) You can make friends at school

b.) School is a great place to learn.

200

I often struggle with flying a kite. For a kite to soar, the weather must be favorable and windy. Without wind, the kite won’t lift off. It’s important to choose a wide-open area to fly your kite safely. Flying near roads, power lines, or airports can be hazardous. There are many reasons someone may have trouble flying a kite.

What is the main idea? 

a. I struggle with flying kites for many reasons

b. Kites can break easily. 

c. It is dangerous to fly a kite.

a. I struggle with flying kites for many reasons

300

There are plenty of fun activities to do at the beach. You can go swimming, diving and even build your dream house using sand. If you don’t like any of those activities, you can play volleyball with your friends. Another good thing to do on the beach is to lie down on the sand and sunbathe. You will get a nice tan. What is the main idea?

A. You can build a house out of sand.
B. There are many fun activities to do at the beach.
C. Volleyball is the best game to play with your friends.
D. Sunbathing is the only way to get a tan.

B.) There are many fun activities to do at the beach.

300

I can't wait until this weekend! We’re going to my grandparents’ house and 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, and by the end we are all exhausted... but we still don’t want to leave! 

The main idea of this passage is:

 A. Weekends are times to travel. 

B. The writer enjoys spending time with family. 

C. The writer’s grandparents live far away.

B. The writer enjoys spending time with family.

400

During recess, I always go to the library because there are a lot of amazing books there. It is my favorite place. I love reading. As it is quiet, it lets me concentrate and think about different things. The librarian is really nice and friendly, too. She gives me candies all the time. It is my favorite place in the world.

What is the main idea?

The library is my favorite place.

400

Wilbur and Orville Wright were brothers who were inventors, inspiring many people, even from a young age, when they built kites and bicycles. Many people credit the Wright Brothers with designing and building the first successful airplane. In 1903, their first flight only lasted 12 seconds, but it continues to inspire people all over the world to learn about science and math, to work hard to realize their dreams, and to use imagination to achieve success.

 The main idea of this passage is: 

A. The Wright Brothers worked hard.

B. The Wright Brothers were inventors who have inspired many people. 

C. Inventors build kites and bicycles.

B. The Wright Brothers were inventors who have inspired many people

500

Eric gripped the bat in his hands. His palms were sweaty, but he took a deep breath as he stepped up to the plate. He was so nervous! He had to score a run or his team would lose the game. When the pitcher threw a fastball, Eric’s reflexes took over, and he heard the “Crack!” of the bat hitting the ball. His heart raced with excitement as he ran to first base. He was safe! He overcame his fears.

The main idea of this passage is: 

A. Eric plays baseball. 

B. Eric scores a homerun. 

C. How to play baseball.

 D. Eric overcomes his nerves and makes it to first base.

D.) Eric overcomes his nerves and makes it to first base.

500

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. Giraffes are very unique animals.

The main idea of this passage is: 

a. Giraffes don’t sleep very much. 

b. Giraffes are unique animals.

 c. There are many animals in the world. 

d. No animal is taller than a giraffe.

b. Giraffes are unique animals.

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