Main Idea
Many animals use camouflage to stay safe in their environments. Some animals blend in with leaves or rocks so predators can’t spot them. Others change their colors with the seasons, like the Arctic fox turning white in winter. Camouflage helps animals survive by hiding them from danger.
What is the main idea?
The main idea is animals and that they use camouflage to stay safe.
To grow a bean plant, you need to follow a few simple steps. First, place a dry bean seed into a small cup of soil. Next, water the soil lightly so it stays moist. After that, put the cup in a sunny spot where the plant can get plenty of light. Finally, watch as the seed sprouts and begins to grow leaves. Following these steps helps the plant grow successfully.
Which text structure is this?
Sequencing
Recess and physical education both give students a chance to move their bodies, but they are not the same. During recess, students choose what they want to do, such as playing tag or talking with friends. In physical education, students follow structured activities and learn specific skills, like how to dribble a basketball. Both recess and PE help students stay active, but one is free play while the other is guided exercise.
What text structure is this?
Compare and contrast
The puppy was famished, so it ate its food very quickly.
What does famished mean?
A. tired
B. hungry
C. excited
D. sleepy
B. Hungry
What do people traditionally place on top of a Christmas tree?
A. Candy cane
B. Ornament
C. Star or angel
D. Garland
C. Star or angel
The sun is important to life on Earth for many reasons. It provides the light that plants need to grow and make food. Its warmth keeps our planet at a comfortable temperature. Without the sun, Earth would be too cold and dark for living things to survive.
What is the main idea?
The main idea is the sun and the importance it has to life on earth.
Dogs and cats can both make great pets, but they have some differences. Dogs usually enjoy going for walks and spending lots of time with their owners, while cats tend to be more independent. Both animals can be playful, but dogs often show their excitement with wagging tails, and cats may show it by purring. Even though they behave differently, both pets can bring fun and companionship to a home.
What text structure is this?
Compare and contrast
Making a simple fruit salad takes just a few steps. First, wash all the fruit to make sure it’s clean. Next, cut the apples, berries, and bananas into small pieces. Then, place all the fruit into a large bowl and gently mix it together. Finally, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to keep the fruit fresh. Following these steps will give you a delicious and healthy snack.
What text structure is this?
Sequencing
Sarah felt uneasy as she walked into the dark room, unsure of what she might find.
What does uneasy mean?
A. happy
B. nervous
C. confused
D. proud
B. Nervous
Why do people use ornaments on Christmas trees?
A. They make the tree grow faster
B. They keep the tree from drying out
C. They add decoration and help show traditions or memories
D. They scare away animals
C. They add decoration and help show traditions or memories
What does a good main idea include?
The topic
What the story is mainly about
Mrs. Lopez’s class had a big problem: their classroom library was always messy, and students struggled to find the books they wanted. To fix this, the class decided to organize the books by genre. They created labels for each shelf and sorted the books together. Now the library is neat, and students can easily find a book they are excited to read.
What text structure is this?
Problem and solution
A desert landscape is dry, peaceful, and full of unique features. Sandy dunes stretch across long distances, shaped by the wind. Cacti and other sturdy plants dot the land, storing water to survive the heat. During the day, the sun shines brightly, warming the ground, while at night the temperature drops sharply. The desert is a place of quiet beauty and striking contrasts.
What text structure is this?
Description
The old clock was delicate, so we handled it carefully to avoid breaking it.
What does delicate mean?
A. very fragile
B. very heavy
C. loud
D. shiny
A. Very fragile
Reindeer have a special feature that helps them walk on snow and ice. What is it?
A. Very long tails
B. Extra-sharp teeth
C. Wide, spreading hooves
D. Brightly colored fur
C. Wide, spreading hooves
Staying organized can make schoolwork much easier for students. Keeping homework in a folder helps prevent assignments from getting lost. Writing due dates in a planner helps students remember important tasks. When students stay organized, they can work more efficiently and feel less stressed.
What is the main idea?
The main idea is schoolwork and that staying organized can help students work better.
When a volcano erupts, molten rock called lava flows out onto the Earth’s surface. Because the lava is extremely hot, it burns everything in its path. As the lava cools, it hardens into new rock, creating changes in the landscape. These eruptions can also cause people living nearby to evacuate their homes for safety. A single volcanic eruption can create many different effects.
What text structure is this?
Cause and effect
The school hallways were becoming crowded and noisy in the morning, making it hard for students to get to class on time. To solve this problem, the principal introduced a new arrival system. Students now enter through different doors based on their grade level, which spreads out the crowds. As a result, the hallways are calmer, and everyone gets to class more smoothly.
What text structure is this?
Problem and solution
Even though the directions were vague, Mia was able to figure out what to do by carefully rereading the instructions.
What does vague mean?
A. very clear
B. written nicely
C. not specific or unclear
D. completely wrong
C. Not specific or unclear
Why do polar bears have black skin underneath their white fur?
A. To hide from predators
B. To blend in with the snow
C. To absorb heat from the sun
D. To help them swim faster
C. To absorb heat from the sun
Thunderstorms form when warm, moist air rises and meets cooler air above. As the air mixes, clouds grow taller and darker. Lightning and thunder develop as the storm becomes stronger. These steps show how thunderstorms build up in the atmosphere.
What is the main idea?
The main idea is thunderstorms and the steps to create them.
The rainforest is a warm, lush environment filled with life. Tall trees stretch high into the sky, forming a thick canopy of leaves. Colorful birds fly between the branches, and tiny insects crawl along the forest floor. The air is humid, and the sounds of chirping, buzzing, and rustling fill the space. Everywhere you look, the rainforest is full of vibrant plants and animals.
What text structure is this?
Description
When temperatures drop below freezing, water on sidewalks and roads can turn into ice. Because the ice is slippery, people walking or driving may lose their balance or control. This can lead to accidents or injuries. For this reason, cities often spread salt on the ground, because salt lowers the freezing point of water and helps melt the ice.
What text structure is this?
Cause and effect
The scientist made a hypothesis, a possible explanation that she would test during her experiment.
What does hypothesis mean?
A. a list of materials
B. an educated guess
C. a final conclusion
D. a math equation
B. An educated guess
What unusual behavior do sea otters sometimes show to keep from drifting away while they sleep?
A. They build tiny nests out of seaweed
B. They hold hands with other otters
C. They sleep on floating logs
D. They tie themselves to fish
B. They hold hands with other otters