Central Idea/Main Idea
Context Clues
Author's Purpose
100

What is Central Idea or Main Idea?

What the story or passage is MOSTLY about.

100

What are Context Clues?

Context clues are hints found within a sentence, paragraph, or passage that a reader can use to understand the meanings of new or unfamiliar words.

100

What is Author's Purpose?

The author's purpose is their intent (or purpose) for writing something. To either persuade, inform or entertain an audience.

200

Wilbur and Orville Wright were brothers who were inventors, 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.

 D. The first flight was in 1903

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

200

The rays from the rising sun shone SPLENDIDLY through our window. 

a)beautifully

 b)dim 

c)ugly 

d)rudely

a.) beautifully

200

In Tarpon Springs, Florida there are people who work underwater. These people are called sponge divers. The kind of treasure they look for is called sponges. Sponge diving is not an easy job. The diver has to breathe under the water, and be careful of extreme water pressure. 

a) persuade 

b) inform 

c) entertain

b) inform 

300

1. 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. 

D. The writer is sad to leave her cousins.

 B. The writer enjoys spending time with family.

300

Sam was so hungry that he didn’t leave a single  PARTICLE of muffin on the plate. 

a)plate

 b)piece 

c)red 

d)tasty

 b)piece 

300

It was a glorious morning in Alabama. The sun was shining through the trees. Alan couldn't wait to find his fishing pole and call his friend Sam to go fishing. They had a great time on these early morning fishing trips. They took their dogs with them and the dogs would swim in the lake while they fished. It was so funny to watch those dogs paddle around the lake. 

a) persuade 

b) inform 

c) entertain

c) entertain

400

I have a dog whose name is Paco. He is almost 10 years old. Paco is very loveable with a brown face and short black fur. He is one of my best friends. He plays with me, sleeps with me, and goes on walks with me. I am so glad to have him around. I love him. 

The main idea of this passage is: 

A. The dog’s name is Paco. 

B. Everyone should have a dog. 

C. The writer's dog is an important part of his life. 

D. The dog is cute and sweet.

C. The writer's dog is an important part of his life.

400

The smooth dancer moved with ELEGANCE across the stage. 

a)bumpy 

b)clumsy 

c)beautiful 

d)grace

d)grace

400

Some people believe that they can't make a difference by voting, but you can. If you don't vote, your voice cannot be heard. Show you care about your community, and exercise your right to vote. 

What is the author’s viewpoint? 

a. people should vote. 

b. you should recycle in your community. 

c. one person can't make a difference.

a. people should vote.

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 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! 

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

The judge questioned the witness, but he sat silent and DECLINED to answer. 

a)willingly 

b)helpful 

c)refused 

d)pleasantly

c)refused

500

One of the most harmful creatures on earth is the fly. Flies spread harmful diseases. They pick up germs with their hair, spreading their germs everywhere. 

What is the author’s viewpoint? 

a. you should kill flies if you see them 

b. flies are cool 

c. flies are harmful to people

c. flies are harmful to people

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