Main Idea
What is the main idea?
Apples are one of the most popular fruits in the world. They come in many varieties, like Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith, each with its own unique taste and texture. People eat them raw, bake them into pies, or drink them in juices. Even the peel is full of nutrients. In some cultures, apples also symbolize health and knowledge.
Apples are a popular and versatile fruit.
Which of these supports the main idea: "Exercise keeps your body healthy"?
A) “It can help you sleep better.”
B) “It’s boring.”
C) “TV is more fun.”
A) It can help you sleep better.
Passage:
The story is about a hamster who accidentally becomes president and tries to run the country with hilarious results.
What is the author’s purpose?
A) To persuade readers to buy a hamster
B) To inform readers about politics
C) To entertain with a funny story
D) To explain how elections work
C) To entertain with a funny story
As Maya stepped onto the bus, she kept her head down and avoided eye contact. She sat in the last row, put in her earbuds, and stared out the window the entire ride.
What can you infer about Maya?
She wants to be left alone
What’s another term for “main idea”?
Central idea
What is the main idea?
Sharks often have a reputation for being dangerous, thanks to movies and news stories. However, most shark species are not harmful to humans. In fact, sharks are essential to keeping ocean ecosystems balanced by controlling populations of fish and other sea life. Without sharks, many marine environments would become unhealthy and unstable.
Sharks are important to the ocean and are misunderstood.
Find the supporting detail:
"Online learning is flexible. Students can complete work at their own pace and log in from anywhere."
Students can complete work at their own pace and log in from anywhere.
This article explains how to make a smoothie using fresh fruit, yogurt, and ice. It provides step-by-step instructions and tips.
What is the author’s purpose?
A) To entertain with a story about fruit
B) To inform with instructions
C) To persuade you to eat healthy
D) To describe different fruits
B) To inform with instructions
The science classroom smelled like smoke. Several students were waving papers in the air and coughing. Mr. Bennett rushed in holding a fire extinguisher and shouted, “Who turned the Bunsen burner all the way up?!”
What can you infer happened?
A science experiment went wrong
A newspaper article includes expert quotes, graphs, and detailed explanations of how wildfires are increasing in certain areas.
Which author’s purpose fits best?
A) To persuade readers to fight wildfires
B) To inform readers about wildfire patterns
C) To entertain with dramatic stories
D) To express the author's personal fear
B) To inform readers about wildfire patterns
What is the main idea?
Getting enough sleep is one of the best things students can do for their health and academic success. A consistent bedtime routine helps the body know when it’s time to rest, which can lead to better focus, improved mood, and more energy during the school day. Without enough sleep, students may find it hard to concentrate or stay motivated in class.
Having a bedtime routine helps students succeed.
Which sentence is NOT a supporting detail for the idea that books are better than movies?
A) “Books let you imagine characters.”
B) “The written version often has more details.”
C) “Movies come out faster.”
C) Movies come out faster.
The writer lists several reasons school should start later, including student health and improved focus.
What is the author’s purpose?
A) To explain how schools are run
B) To persuade readers to support later start times
C) To entertain with a school story
D) To inform about school schedules
B) To persuade readers to support later start times
Lena’s phone buzzed again. She glanced at the screen, sighed, and tossed it facedown on her bed. A few seconds later, it buzzed again. She turned away and pulled her hoodie over her head.
What can you infer about Lena’s reaction to the messages?
She’s ignoring the messages on purpose
Which of the following would be the best supporting detail for the main idea: “The sun is essential to life on Earth”?
A) The sun is hot.
B) The sun is the closest star to Earth.
C) Plants use the sun’s energy to create oxygen and food.
C) Plants use the sun’s energy to create oxygen and food.
What is the main idea?
Electric cars have become more common in recent years. One reason is that they don’t use gasoline, which helps reduce air pollution. Electric vehicles also cost less to fuel and maintain over time. Many car companies are now developing newer, more affordable models, making it easier for more people to buy them and help the planet at the same time.
Electric cars are gaining popularity due to their environmental and economic benefits.
What supports this idea: “Bees are vital to farming”?
A) “Bees sting people.”
B) “Bees pollinate crops that feed the world.”
C) “Bees are yellow.”
B) Bees pollinate crops that feed the world.
The author describes how nervous they felt before giving their first big speech and how they eventually calmed down.
What is the author’s purpose?
A) To inform about speech-writing
B) To persuade readers to speak in public
C) To express their personal feelings
D) To explain how nerves work
C) To express their personal feelings
As the last runner crossed the finish line, the crowd erupted in cheers. Although Amir didn’t win, he smiled, clapped for the others, and gave high-fives to his teammates.
What can you infer about Amir?
He is a good sport and values teamwork
A short story follows a detective who solves a mystery using clues from an old journal. The plot has twists, suspense, and an unexpected ending.
What is the most likely author’s purpose?
A) To persuade readers to become detectives
B) To inform readers about old journals
C) To entertain with a mystery story
D) To teach how to solve a case
C) To entertain with a mystery story
What is the main idea?
Throughout history, music has played an important role in bringing people together during times of change. During the civil rights movement, songs like “We Shall Overcome” gave people hope and unity. More recently, artists have used music to speak out about climate change, racial justice, and other social issues. Whether through lyrics, rhythms, or performances, music often becomes the voice of a movement.
Music has helped drive social and political movements throughout history.
Choose two supporting details:
Main Idea: “City parks help communities.”
A) “They give kids a place to play.”
B) “They take up a lot of space.”
C) “They provide green space in crowded cities.”
A) “They give kids a place to play.”
C) “They provide green space in crowded cities.”
This article compares wind, solar, and fossil fuel energy. It explains how each one works and why clean energy may be the best choice.
What is the author’s purpose?
A) To persuade you to use more electricity
B) To entertain with energy jokes
C) To inform about types of energy and persuade readers to consider clean energy
D) To explain the history of electricity
C) To inform about types of energy and persuade readers to consider clean energy
When Olivia opened her locker, dozens of sticky notes fell out. Each one had encouraging messages like “You’ve got this!” and “You are stronger than you think.” She looked around, saw her friends smiling down the hallway, and quickly wiped her eyes.
What can you infer about why Olivia was emotional?
She was surprised and touched by her friends’ kindness
“Some snakes can go months without eating by slowing down their metabolism and conserving energy.”
Is this a main idea or a supporting detail? Explain your reasoning.
Supporting detail — it gives specific information that supports a larger idea about how snakes survive or adapt.