Main Idea
This tells what a text is mostly about and can usually be supported by key details.
Main Idea
“The classroom was a zoo.”
What is a metaphor
Lena felt reluctant to jump off the diving board. She stepped forward slowly and kept looking back at the ladder.
What does reluctant most nearly mean?
A) Excited
B) Nervous and unsure
C) Angry
D) Proud
B. Nervous and unsure
This is the lesson or message of a story.
What is theme
Tom grabbed his umbrella and rain boots before leaving the house.
You can infer that—
That it is raining
A paragraph explains how hurricanes form over warm ocean water, gain strength, and eventually weaken over land.
What is hurricanes form over warm water and weaken over land?
“She ran as fast as a cheetah.”
What is a Simile
Marcus was determined to finish the race. Even though his legs were tired, he refused to slow down.
What does determined most nearly mean?
A) Ready to quit
B) Easily distracted
C) Firm in his decision
D) Confused
C. Firm in his decision
In a story, a character lies to avoid trouble but ends up making the problem worse.
honesty is the best policy
Maria studied all night and smiled when she saw her test score.
You can infer that—
she did well on the test
An article describes how recycling reduces waste, saves energy, and protects natural resources.
recycling helps protect the environment?
“The wind whispered through the trees.”
What is personification
Water became scarce during the long drought. Families had to carefully ration every drop they used.
What does scarce most nearly mean?
A) Plentiful
B) Dirty
C) Rare or limited
D) Flowing quickly
C. Rare or limited
A character feels jealous of her friend’s success but later learns to celebrate others instead of comparing herself.
happy for others’ success
The dog scratched at the door, wagged its tail, and barked at the leash.
You can infer that—
The dog wants to go for a walk.
A passage explains the causes of the American Revolution, including unfair taxes and lack of representation. It also describes the colonists’ response.
unfair treatment led the colonists to seek independence?
“I’ve told you a million times!”
What is a hyperbole
The new school schedule was more efficient. Students were able to complete their work in less time without feeling rushed.
What does efficient most nearly mean?
A) Disorganized
B) Getting results without wasting time or energy
C) Complicated
D) Boring
B. Getting results without wasting time or energy
In a story, a boy is afraid to try out for the team, but he pushes past his fear and grows more confident.
facing your fears helps you grow
James avoided eye contact and hid the broken vase behind his back.
You can infer that—
Broke the vase and he feels guilty
The text describes how practicing mindfulness helps students focus better, manage stress, and improve academic performance. Examples and research findings are included.
Mindfulness helps students improve focus and reduce stress?
The fireworks exploded with a loud boom
The fireworks exploded with a loud boom
Winning the science fair was a significant achievement for Alana. It showed how much effort and research she had put into her project.
What does significant most nearly mean?
A) Unimportant
B) Small
C) Important or meaningful
D) Accidental
C. Important or meaningful
A character must choose between keeping a friend’s secret or telling the truth to protect someone from being hurt. In the end, the character chooses to do what is right, even though it costs the friendship.
doing the right thing is more important than pleasing others
The lights flickered, the wind howled, and the power suddenly went out.
You can infer that—
The storm caused the power outage