Main Idea
What is the main idea of this passage?
Dogs help people in many ways. Some dogs guide people who cannot see. Other dogs help find missing people. Dogs are helpful animals.
What is: Dogs help people in many ways.
Use the PIE strategy to identify the author’s purpose.
Dogs need daily exercise to stay healthy. Walking your dog helps keep its body strong and its mind happy.
What is: Inform
Use context clues to tell what the metaphor means.
My brother is a walking dictionary. He knows the meaning of many words.
What is: He knows a lot of words.
What is the main idea of the passage?
Plants need sunlight to grow. They also need water and good soil. Without these things, plants cannot live.
What is: Plants need certain things to grow.
Use the PIE strategy to identify the author’s purpose.
You should always wear a helmet when riding a bike. It can protect your head and keep you safe.
What is: Persuade
Use context clues to tell what the metaphor means.
The classroom was a busy beehive during group work.
What is: The classroom was very busy.
What is the main idea of the passage?
Maria likes to read every day. She reads before school and before bed. Reading helps her learn new things.
What is: Maria likes to read and learns from it.
Use the PIE strategy to identify the author’s purpose.
The silly monkey slipped on a banana peel and landed in a puddle. Everyone laughed at the funny sight.
What is: Entertain
Use context clues to tell what the metaphor means.
The moon was a silver coin in the night sky.
What is: The moon looked bright and round.
What is the main idea of the passage?
The playground has many fun activities. Children can swing, slide, and climb. Recess is a fun time for students.
What is: The playground is a fun place to play.
Use the PIE strategy to identify the author’s purpose.
Bees are important insects. They help plants grow by spreading pollen from flower to flower.
What is: Inform
Use context clues to tell what the metaphor means.
After the long race, my legs were rubber bands.
What is: His legs felt weak or shaky.
What is the main idea of the passage?
Bees fly from flower to flower. They collect nectar to make honey. Bees also help plants grow by spreading pollen.
What is: Bees help plants and make honey.
Use the PIE strategy to identify the author’s purpose.
Try reading every night before bed. Reading helps you learn new things and become a better student.
What is: Persuade
Use context clues to tell what the metaphor means.
The new student was a quiet mouse on the first day of school.
What is: The student was very quiet.