Basics
Topic
True or False
Main Idea #1
Main Idea #2
100
What is the main subject of a paragraph/article called? HINT: It is often one or two words.
Topic
100
Passing fears are common in early childhood. Many 2- to 4-year-olds are afraid of animals, especially dogs. By 6 years, children are more likely to be afraid of the dark. Other common fears are of thunderstorms, doctors, and imaginary creatures. What is the topic?
Childhood fears
100
True or False: The topic and main idea are the same thing.
False
100
The centipede is a hunter. It poisons its prey with a quick bite. It stalks its prey in dark places beneath stones, logs, and piles of leaves. It eats silverfish, cockroaches, worms, and slugs. What is the main idea?
The centipede is a hunter.
100
There are several events that can change the Earth's surface very quickly. Volcanoes can erupt and spread lava, rock and ash for several miles. Earthquakes can leave large cracks in the Earth's surface. What is the main idea?
Several events can change the Earth's surface.
200
What are the sentences that tell the who/what/when/where/how of the main idea called?
Supporting Details
200
One of the best ways to lock a door is with a time lock. The lock is set for a certain time. It will not open before the time that has been set. It won't open when that time has passed. Banks find that time locks help keep your money safe. What is the topic?
Time locks
200
True or False: To find the main idea always look at the first few sentences.
False
200
Some seeds move on the wind. They have wing-like parts to catch the wind. Other seeds have hooks or stickers. They catch in the fur of animals and are carried to new places. Some seeds float on water to new places. People move seeds, too. They plant them in their yards and gardens. Seeds travel in many different ways. What is the main idea?
Seeds travel in many different ways.
200
Canned snake meat has been sold in a few stores for a long time. Now people are beginning to buy more of it. Cattle raisers say they may begin to raise snakes as well as cattle. Who knows? You may soon be enjoying a tasty snake burger! What is the main idea?
Canned snake meat is becoming more popular.
300
What is the main idea?
The main focus of the paragraph/section.
300
The longest-lived creature in the insect world is the queen termite (ant). She has been known to live for over 50 years. During that time, the queen can lay over 30,000 eggs each day. So in her 50 years of life, it is possible for her to give birth to half a billion children. What is the topic?
Queen termite (ant)
300
True or False: To determine the main idea, check to make sure most of the other sentences support it.
True
300
Passing fears are common in early childhood. Many 2- to 4-year-olds are afraid of animals, especially dogs. By 6 years, children are more likely to be afraid of the dark. Other common fears are of thunderstorms, doctors, and imaginary creatures. What is the main idea?
Passing fears are common in early childhood.
300

Floods can ruin houses, roads and buildings. Floods can take down trees and cause mudslides. They often leave mud, sand and debris behind. It can take months to clean up after a flood. Floods can cause tremendous damage. What is the main idea?

Floods can cause tremendous damage.

400
Where can the main idea be found?
In the beginning, middle, or end of a paragraph/section.
400

For many years, all books were written by hand. Because it took so long to write one book, there were only a few of them. Most people could never own a book. Then sometime between 1450 and 1460, Johannes Gutenberg got the idea of carving separate letters and moving them to make new words. This was the invention of moveable type. From then on, the numbers of books printed grew quickly. What is the topic?

Moveable type/Printing books

400
True or False: If there isn't a stated main idea, then the main idea must be implied.
True
400
The next time you come face to face with a mouse, take a good look at it. Isn't the mouse a sleek and beautiful little creature? Look at its bright and lively eyes. How wide awake the little mouse looks! How well formed it is! How quickly it moves! What is the main idea?
Mice are actually not as ugly as people think.
400
Penicillin is one of the greatest of the wonder-drugs. It has saved thousands of lives already and will save many more in the future. Unfortunately, it has no effect at all on most of the ills of mankind. Penicillin is a very good drug, but it is certainly not a cure-all. What is the main idea?
Penicillin is a good drug, but does not cure everything.
500
What is it called if the main idea is not directly stated?
Implied Main Idea
500
The largest organ in the human body is the skin. One of the skin's functions is to help regulate the amount of body heat that flows in and out of the body. Heavy smoking ages skin very quickly. When it is cold, we cover the skin with extra layers of clothing to slow down the outward flow of heat. When it is hot, evaporation of sweat cools us down. What is the topic?
Skin
500
True or False: You can use main ideas to help you write a summary.
True
500
Some insects can go without food for half a year. Others can stay under water for a week and not be harmed. Some can be frozen stiff and then be all right. One bug was known to live for a year after its head was cut off. What is the main idea?
Some insects are tough and can "cheat" death.
500
Do you wear glasses? Make sure your glasses fit well. The earpieces should be at eye level. Don't try to adjust the earpieces yourself. Take your glasses for adjustments to the place you bought them. Keep your glasses in a case when you're not wearing them. This will prevent scratches. Keep the lenses clean. A soft cloth is best for cleaning. What is the main idea?
Taking care of your glasses involves many steps.
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