Main Idea 1
Main Idea 2
Main Idea 3
100

Steel is a very important metal which is used for many things. In the the United States the automobile industry uses the most steel. Steel is used in putting up buildings. Cans and containers are made from steel. Steel is used to make farm and factory machines. 

What is the Main Idea?

Steel is used for many purposes. 

100

My dog is called Buttons and he learns new tricks really quickly. When I say “Hands”, he will give me one of his front paws. He can even walk on two legs when I tell him to. It only took me three days to teach him these tricks. I don’t think other dogs can learn as quickly as Buttons. He is the best. 

What is the main idea?

a. My dog is not clever.

b. My dog is the smartest dog!

 c. I wish I can be a good dog trainer.

b. My dog is the smartest dog!

100

Eric gripped the bat in his hands. His palms were sweaty but he took a deep breath as he stepped up to the plate. He had to score a run or his team would lose the game. When the pitcher threw a fastball, Eric’s reflexes took over and he heard the “Crack!” of the bat hitting the ball. His heart raced with excitement as he ran to first base. He was safe! 

The main idea of this passage is: A. Eric plays baseball. B. Eric scores a homerun. C. How to play baseball. D. Eric overcomes his nerves and makes it to first base.

D. Eric overcomes his nerves and makes it to first base.

200

You learn about Science, Math, Art and many other subject areas. The school has a lot of books for you to read. The teachers create fun activities to make learning fun. There are also a lot of other kids here, who you can become friends with to study together.

What is the main idea? 

School is a great place to learn.

200

I always have trouble flying a kite. For a kite to fly, the weather needs to be good and windy. If there is no wind, the kite will never fly. You need to find a spacious place to fly your kite. It is dangerous to fly your kite near roads, power lines or an airport. 

What is the main idea? 

a. Flying kites is hard.

b. Kites can break easily. 

c. It is dangerous to fly a kite.

a. Flying kites is hard.

200

Anthony’s teacher, Mr. Rivera, gave the class a different kind of homework assignment. The assignment was to watch the weather report on television every night for a week. Mr. Rivera told the students some things to listen for as they watched each night’s report. He also gave them a worksheet to fill out while they watched.

What is the main idea? 

A. Anthony likes watching the weather on TV.

B. Anthony's teacher is Mr. Rivera

C. Anthony's homework was to watch the weather report for a week.

C. Anthony's homework was to watch the weather report for a week.

300

You can go swimming, diving and even build your dream house using sand. If you don’t like any of those activities, you can play volleyball with your friends. Another good thing to do on the beach is to lie down on the sand and sunbathe. You will get a nice tan. What is the main idea?

The beach is the perfect place to have fun and relax.

300

I can't wait until this weekend! We’re going to my grandparents’ house and my entire family will be there. I will spend most of my time playing games with my cousins. We always have such a good time together! The day goes by so fast, and by the end we are all exhausted... but we still don’t want to leave! 

The main idea of this passage is: A. Weekends are times to travel. B. The writer enjoys spending time with family. C. The writer’s grandparents live far away. D. The writer is sad to leave her cousins.

B. The writer enjoys spending time with family.

300

Chances are very good that you’ve watched a video on YouTube®. It is one of the most popular websites in the world and is the  site to go to when someone wants to share a video. YouTube was started in 2005 by three men who worked for a different  company. The very first video showed one of the founders at the zoo. YouTube grew quickly throughout the following year and was purchased by Google® for $1.65 billion dollars in 2006. Since then, YouTube has continued to grow. Now, many people create their own  videos for YouTube. People can actually become quite famous on YouTube and some can even make a career out of it. The impact that YouTube has had on the world is remarkable considering that it was only established in 2005. 


c. YouTube was founded in 2005 and has grown significantly since.

400

During recess, I always go to the library because there are a lot of amazing books there. I love reading. As it is quiet, it lets me concentrate and think about different things. The librarian is really nice and friendly too. She gives me candies all the time. What is the main idea?

The library is my favorite place.

400

Wilbur and Orville Wright were brothers who were inventors, even from a young age when they built kites and bicycles. Many people credit the Wright Brothers with designing and building the first successful airplane. In 1903, their first flight only lasted 12 seconds, but it continues to inspire people all over the world to learn about science and math, to work hard to realize their dreams, and to use imagination to achieve success. The main idea of this passage is: A. The Wright Brothers worked hard. B. The Wright Brothers were inventors who have inspired many people. C. Inventors build kites and bicycles. D. The first flight was in 1903.

B. The Wright Brothers were inventors who have inspired many people

400

Did you know that giraffes are the tallest animals in the world? They are unique in other ways, too. For one thing, they sleep only about 20 minutes each day, and usually not more than five minutes at a time. (They have to remain alert for predators.) Also, every giraffe’s coat is unique, and varies in color from white to nearly black, depending on what they eat and where they live. 

The main idea of this passage is: a. Giraffes don’t sleep very much. b. Giraffes are unique animals. c. There are many animals in the world. d. No animal is taller than a giraffe.

b. Giraffes are unique animals.

500

Inside the volcano, there are hot liquid rocks called magma. It becomes lava when it comes out of the volcano. The lava that flows out of some volcanoes can reach up to 1100 degrees. It’s hot enough to burn you and in some cases, it can kill you. Other than lava, gases coming out of the volcano are poisonous to us. 

What is the main idea? 

a. Volcanoes are really dangerous. 

b. Lava is hot. 

c. Gases emitted from volcanoes are poisonous.

B. Lava is hot

500

I have a dog whose name is Paco. He is almost 10 years old. Paco is very loveable with a brown face and short black fur. He is one of my best friends. He plays with me, sleeps with me, and goes on walks with me. I am so glad to have him around. I love him. The main idea of this passage is: A. The dog’s name is Paco. B. Everyone should have a dog. C. The writer's dog is an important part of his life. D. The dog is cute and sweet.

C. The writer's dog is an important part of his life.

500

Hurricanes are large, intense storms that begin over the ocean, where they gather heat and energy from the water. Hurricanes move slowly toward land, usually moving 10-20 miles per hour for more than one week. The most dangerous part of the hurricane is the storm surge, when it reaches land and causes flooding. Wind and waves also contribute to the damage caused by these surges. 

The main idea of this passage is: a. Hurricanes are dangerous storms. b. Hurricanes begin over the ocean. c. One type of storm is called a hurricane. d. Hurricanes are dangerous from other storms.

d. Hurricanes are dangerous from other storms.