Main Idea
Emperor penguins live in Antarctica, one of the coldest places on Earth. Although they are birds, they cannot fly. Instead, they use their wings like flippers to swim quickly through icy waters. To stay warm, they huddle together in large circles, forming a shield against the wind.
Question: What is the main idea of the passage?
A) Emperor penguins are the largest animals on Earth.
B) Penguins eat a lot of fish every day.
C) Emperor penguins are adapted to survive in Antarctica’s freezing temperatures.
D) Emperor penguins can fly when they are babies.
C) Emperor penguins are adapted to survive in Antarctica’s freezing temperatures.
Pedro looked out the window with a sad face. His backpack was ready by the door, and his soccer ball was clean and full of air. Outside, the clouds were gray and the rain was falling heavily. Pedro sighed and sat quietly on the couch.
Question: What can you infer about Pedro?
A) He is disappointed because he can’t go outside to play due to the rain.
B) He doesn't like soccer.
C) He didn’t pack his backpack for school.
D) He’s waiting for someone to visit.
A) He is disappointed because he can’t go outside to play due to the rain.
First, rinse the strawberries under cold water. Then, cut them into small pieces and place them in a bowl. Next, add a spoonful of sugar and gently mix everything. Finally, let them sit for a few minutes before serving.
Question: What type of text structure is used in this passage?
A) Compare and contrast
B) Description
C) Sequence or steps
D) Problem and solution
C) Sequence or steps
Looking for a fun place to spend the summer? Come to Splash Water Park! We have giant slides, wave pools, and games for the whole family. Plus, if you come during the week, you’ll get a special discount! Don’t wait—summer won’t last forever!
Question: What is the author’s purpose?
A) To tell a story about a kid in the summer.
B) To explain how a water park works.
C) To describe how slides are built.
D) To persuade the reader to visit the water park.
D) To persuade the reader to visit the water park.
Ana noticed Diego looking under his desk. “Did you lose something?” she asked. Diego nodded and said he couldn’t find his pencil. Ana opened her case and offered him one. “Thanks,” Diego said with a smile. Later, Diego helped Ana pick up her books when she dropped them.
Question: How is the relationship between Ana and Diego?
A) They always compete against each other.
B) They are always fighting in class.
C) They don’t know each other very well.
D) They are helpful and kind to one another.
D) They are helpful and kind to one another.
To make fresh lemonade, first gather the ingredients: lemons, sugar, water, and ice. Carefully squeeze the lemons to get the juice, then mix it with cold water. Next, add sugar to taste and stir well. Finally, add ice to make it cold. It’s a delicious and easy drink to prepare at home.
Question: What sentence best expresses the main idea of the passage?
A) Making lemonade can take hours if you don’t have all the ingredients.
B) Making lemonade is a simple and quick process.
C) Kids shouldn’t make lemonade without an adult.
D) Lemon juice can also be used for cleaning.
B) Making lemonade is a simple and quick process.
Lucía took a deep breath as she held her violin. From behind the curtain, she could hear the audience clapping. Her heart was beating fast. She looked at her fingers and carefully placed them on the strings. When the curtain opened, Lucía lifted her chin, smiled, and took her first step onto the stage.
Question: What can you infer about Lucía?
A) She doesn’t like playing music.
B) She is nervous but determined to perform in front of the audience.
C) Lucía is the director of the show.
D) Lucía would rather be home than on stage.
B) She is nervous but determined to perform in front of the audience.
Crocodiles and alligators are reptiles that live near water, but they have differences. Crocodiles are usually bigger and have a V-shaped snout. Alligators, on the other hand, are smaller and have a U-shaped snout. Both lay eggs and spend a lot of time in water, but they are not the same animal.
Question: What is the structure of this text?
A) Cause and effect
B) Sequence
C) Problem and solution
D) Compare and contrast
D) Compare and contrast
Frogs are amphibians, which means they can live both in water and on land. They have moist skin and breathe through it, along with their lungs. Frogs usually eat insects and can jump long distances thanks to their powerful back legs.
Question: What is the author’s purpose?
A) To tell a story about a special frog.
B) To inform the reader about frogs and their traits.
C) To explain how to care for frogs.
D) To convince the reader to get a pet frog.
B) To inform the reader about frogs and their traits.
At the start of the year, Mateo and Julián didn’t get along. They always argued about who sat first or who got to use the markers. One day, the teacher paired them for a project. Slowly, they started talking, sharing ideas, and even laughing. By the end of the project, they both said they made a great team.
Question: How does the relationship between Mateo and Julián change?
A) They become bigger rivals.
B) They go from arguing to getting along and working as a team.
C) One of them transfers to another school.
D) They keep arguing all year.
B) They go from arguing to getting along and working as a team.
The jaguar is one of the most powerful animals in the Americas. It lives mostly in the jungle and has jaws strong enough to crack a turtle’s shell. Its body is covered with yellow fur and black spots, helping it hide among trees and bushes. It is a silent and agile hunter.
Question: What is the main idea of the passage?
A) Jaguars always hunt turtles in the jungle.
B) A jaguar’s fur has stripes like a tiger.
C) The jaguar is a strong predator adapted to living in the jungle.
D) Jaguars live in cold, dry places.
C) The jaguar is a strong predator adapted to living in the jungle.
Marcos arrived late to school. During lunch, he stayed in his seat without opening a lunchbox or getting in line at the cafeteria. He watched his classmates eat while staring at the floor. When the teacher walked over and asked if he was hungry, he shook his head.
Question: What can you infer about Marcos?
A) He doesn’t like school food.
B) He prefers eating after everyone else.
C) He forgot his lunch and doesn’t want others to notice.
D) He’s sleepy and doesn’t want to eat.
C) He forgot his lunch and doesn’t want others to notice.
In the city, traffic is a big problem, especially during rush hours. Streets are filled with cars, making it hard to get to work or school on time. One possible solution is to use more bikes or public transportation. This would help reduce the number of cars and pollution.
Question: What structure does the author use?
A) Problem and solution
B) Compare and contrast
C) Cause and effect
D) Description
A) Problem and solution
Juan was very nervous. It was his first day at a new school. As he walked down the hallway, he heard voices and laughter from kids who already knew each other. When he entered the classroom, a girl smiled and said, “You can sit here.” Juan took a deep breath and smiled too. Maybe this place wouldn’t be so bad after all.
Question: What is the author’s purpose?
A) To entertain the reader with a story about a new beginning.
B) To convince kids to change schools.
C) To inform about school rules.
D) To give instructions for the first day of school.
A) To entertain the reader with a story about a new beginning.
At the beginning of the story, Sofía doubted herself. She was afraid to read aloud because she thought others would laugh. She practiced every night in front of a mirror. On the day of the presentation, she took a deep breath and read with a clear voice. In the end, her classmates applauded.
Question: What change happens in Sofía?
A) She goes from being insecure to confident.
B) She decides never to read in public.
C) She changes classes to avoid reading.
D) She stops liking reading.
A) She goes from being insecure to confident.
Recycling is a way to help protect the environment. When we recycle paper, plastic, and aluminum cans, we keep trash out of landfills. This reduces pollution and helps preserve natural resources. Many cities also have recycling programs that make it easy for people to participate.
Question: What is the best way to summarize the main idea?
A) Recycling is required in every city.
B) Recycling helps the environment by reducing waste and saving resources.
C) Aluminum cans are easier to recycle than plastic.
D) Recycling is hard and takes a long time.
B) Recycling helps the environment by reducing waste and saving resources.
Sofía spent the whole afternoon drawing. When she finished, she looked at her picture and frowned. She stared at it for a few more seconds, then crumpled it up and threw it away. She stood up, grabbed a new sheet of paper, and sat back at the table.
Question: What can you infer about Sofía?
A) She is bored and wants to do something else.
B) She was not happy with her drawing and decided to start over.
C) She doesn’t like drawing.
D) She wants someone else to finish her drawing.
B) She was not happy with her drawing and decided to start over.
The beaver is a rodent that lives near rivers and lakes. It has a strong body and a flat tail that helps it swim. Its front teeth are large and powerful, perfect for cutting wood. Beavers build dams with logs and branches, creating ponds where they can live safely.
Question: What type of structure is used in this passage?
A) Cause and effect
B) Compare and contrast
C) Description
D) Problem and solution
C) Description
Forests are vital to our planet. They produce oxygen, regulate the climate, and are home to thousands of species. But each year, millions of trees are cut down. You can help: recycle paper, plant a tree, and talk to others about protecting forests. Act today!
Question: What is the author’s purpose?
A) To explain how to plant a tree.
B) To tell a story about forest animals.
C) To persuade the reader to help protect forests.
D) To describe different types of trees.
C) To persuade the reader to help protect forests.
Luis always thought about himself. During games, he wanted to win by himself. But one day, he saw his friend Martín fall and get hurt. Even though Luis was winning, he stopped to help him. From that day on, he began to share more and care about others.
Question: What change does Luis experience?
A) He becomes more competitive.
B) He decides to stop playing games.
C) He learns to be more generous and think of others.
D) He becomes shy and quiet.
C) He learns to be more generous and think of others.
During a lightning storm, it’s important to follow certain safety rules. You should not stand near tall trees or use electronic devices. It’s also not safe to shower during a storm, since water can carry electricity if lightning strikes nearby. The best thing to do is find a safe place and wait for the storm to pass.
Question: Which sentence best expresses the main idea?
A) Lightning can be fun to watch from a window.
B) Most lightning storms only happen in the summer.
C) During a lightning storm, people should follow safety rules to avoid danger.
D) Showering during a storm is refreshing and safe.
C) During a lightning storm, people should follow safety rules to avoid danger.
After running five laps around the field, Samuel walked slowly and wiped the sweat off his forehead with his sleeve. His shirt was soaked, and he was breathing hard. He sat on the grass and drank water quickly.
Question: What can you infer about Samuel?
A) He is sick.
B) He slipped while running.
C) He doesn’t like exercising.
D) He is tired from the physical effort.
D) He is tired from the physical effort.
The Sun heats the Earth’s surface. Because of that heat, water from rivers, lakes, and oceans evaporates. Then, the vapor rises into the sky and forms clouds. That’s why, when it’s very sunny, clouds are more likely to form and later bring rain.
Question: What type of structure is used in this passage?
A) Compare and contrast
B) Description
C) Sequence
D) Cause and effect
D) Cause and effect
The Sun is a giant star made of hot gases. It is the main source of light and heat on Earth. Thanks to the Sun, plants can perform photosynthesis and living things get energy. Without the Sun, our planet would be dark and frozen.
Question: What is the author’s purpose?
A) To tell a myth about the Sun.
B) To persuade the reader not to look directly at the Sun.
C) To explain how to do an experiment with sunlight.
D) To inform the reader about the Sun’s importance for life.
D) To inform the reader about the Sun’s importance for life.
Clara and her younger brother, Tomás, didn’t get along very well. They always argued about small things. But during vacation, they spent lots of time playing and helping around the house. Slowly, they learned to listen and share. At the end of the summer, Clara said, “You’re not that annoying anymore.”
Question: How did their relationship change?
A) Clara moved out.
B) Tomás became more annoying.
C) They no longer talk to each other.
D) They learned to get along better and grew closer.
D) They learned to get along better and grew closer.