Main Idea 1
Squirrels live in the park. They are gray and fluffy. They pick up nuts off the ground. Then they hide the nuts. They run up and down trees.
The main idea is:
a) To show about how to catch a squirrel
b) To tell about squirrels
c) To tell what squirrels eat
b) To tell about squirrels
Ice cream shakes are one of the most popular deserts in America! Milkshakes became popular in the early 1900's among Americans. By the 1930's, many soda fountain and malt shops offered lots of delicious flavors and became a popular hang-out for all types of people. Now milkshakes are sold in almost every restaurant you can find.
It is easy to prepare a homemade ice cream milkshake. All you need is a blender, ice cream, milk, and a flavor of your choice. You can use chocolate sauce, strawberries, vanilla, or whatever else you like to flavor your shake. Put the ice cream, milk, and flavoring into the blender and blend until you have a smooth shake. Drink and enjoy!
We know milkshakes are delicious, but let's find out if they are healthy. Milkshakes contain a high amount of sugar and can be very high in calories. Milkshakes can contain between 600-1,000 calories per glass. This is about the same as eating two cheeseburgers! It is always okay to enjoy a sweet snack every once in a while, but be sure to not over do it!
How are paragraphs 1 and 3 different?
a) Paragraph 1 is about how popular milkshakes are and paragraph 3 is about how unhealthy they are.
b) Paragraph 1 is about milkshakes and paragraph 3 is about health.
c) Paragraph 1 is about how popular milkshakes are and paragraph 3 is about calories.
d) Paragraph 1 is about how the 1930's and paragraph 3 is about calories.
a) Paragraph 1 is about how popular milkshakes are and paragraph 3 is about how unhealthy they are.
Tony Hawk is considered by many to be the greatest skateboarder of all time. He was born in Carlsbad, California in 1968. He turned professional at the age of 14 years old. He became famous for being the first skater to successfully land a 900, a trick in which he spins around two and a half times in the air before landing. Tony Hawk has won more competitions than any other skater. He even has his own video game and clothing line. Almost everyone knows who Tony Hawk is.
What is the main idea of the paragraph?
a) Skateboarding is a fun sport.
b) Tony Hawk has his own video game.
c) Tony Hawk is the greatest skateboarder of all time.
d) Tony Hawk performed the first 900 trick.
c) Tony Hawk is the greatest skateboarder of all time.
Meditation is the practice of making the mind quiet. It can do wonderful things for kids, too. Just like exercise can help your body become stronger, meditation can help your mind become stronger.
Unlike exercising, you do not move during meditation. It can be as simple as watching the clouds, or sitting still and humming softly. Just five minutes of quiet meditation a day can help you and your mind a bunch.
Which detail supports the idea that meditation is easy?
a) Just like exercise can help your body become stronger, meditation can help your mind become stronger.
b)It can be as simple as watching the clouds, or sitting still and humming softly.
c) It can do wonderful things for kids, too.
d) Meditation is the practice of making the mind quiet.
b) It can be as simple as watching the clouds, or sitting still and humming softly.
Some people have trouble telling the difference between some colors. They have color blindness. They do not see the world as black and white. It may be tricky to match clothes. However, it is not a big problem. Most color-blind people cannot see the difference between red or green. However, they can easily drive. They notice the way signals light up. The red light is usually on top, and green is on the bottom. Color blindness is often passed down from parents to children. Boys are more likely to be color blind. 1 out of 12 boys cannot tell reds and greens apart.
The main idea is:
a) Not being able to tell the difference between some colors is called color blindness.
b) Most color-blind people, especially 1 out of 12 boys, cannot tell red or green apart.
c) Although telling some colors apart is hard for some people, they can work around this small problem.
d) Color blindness runs in the family, which means it is passed down from parents to children.
c) Although telling some colors apart is hard for some people, they can work around this small problem.
Greg was lost. He did not know which way to go. He saw a police officer. Greg asked her for help. She told him how to get back home.
The main idea is:
a) Greg lost his candy.
b) A police officer helps Greg
C) The police officer is lost
b) A police officer helps Greg.
The main topic in a story describes —
a) what kind of story it is.
b) the names of each character.
c) what the story is mostly about.
d) the place and time of the story.
c) what the story is mostly about.
Roses are widely considered the most beautiful types of flowers. There are over 100 types of roses that come in many different colors and sizes. Red roses are popular gifts for loved ones. Roses and rose buds are commonly used in art and decoration. Many perfumes are made from applying steam to crushed rose petals. Whenever you see a rose, take a moment to enjoy its beauty.
Which sentence states the main idea of the paragraph?
a) There are over 100 types of roses that come in many different colors and sizes.
b)Roses are widely considered the most beautiful of all the flowers.
c) Red roses are popular gifts for loved ones.
d) Roses and rose buds are commonly used in art and decoration.
b)Roses are widely considered the most beautiful of all the flowers.
Do you like to read? Are you worried you do not have enough time to do so? Worry no more. Keep these simple ideas in mind to make more reading time in your life. First, find your local library and become a member. Next, find 20 minutes in your day to simply read. Think about all the times you spend waiting for the bus, riding in the bus, or waiting at the doctor’s dentist’s office. You could read for 20 minutes here and there. It adds up before you know it! It is easy to be a reader. It can be relaxing. Once you find a good book to read, you will find time in your day to read it. Then, try to carry a book or a book you can listen to when you are traveling.
Which detail, if added, would support the key idea of the passage?
a) Reading in more than one language is difficult for some.
b) Too much screen time or reading can be bad for your eyes.
c) You can even finish thick books if you read every day.
d) Take care of your health if you usually sit for hours to read.
c) You can even finish thick books if you read every day.
There are different ways in which people learn. Some learn best by what they see and remember. For example, notes, diagrams, drawing, or doodles help them learn. For them, just hearing information might not work as well.
Some like to listen for information. They remember by talking about what they have learned. Working in groups and repeating information to themselves helps them learn better.
Another way of learning is by reading and then writing to remember. Such learners like to read, then write what they learned. They also like knowing where the information comes from. They enjoy doing projects.
Still others like learning by doing. They move about while learning. They like to use their hands to explain things. Also, they like to touch or make things to understand how those things work.
Knowing how you learn best can help you become a better student. It might also help you enjoy learning more.
Which is the main idea of the passage?
a) A lecture is a long talk that teachers use in college.
b) Audio books for children can be used to learn while traveling.
c) Some experts tried to find out how animals like pigs learn.
d) Different ways of learning work for different people.
d) Different ways of learning work for different people.
There is a duck pond in town. Joan goes there alot. She likes to see the ducks swimming around. She likes to feed the ducks too.
The Main Idea Is:
a) Every town has a duck pond
b) Joan likes to visit the duck pond.
c) ducks make good pets
b) Joan likes to visit the duck pond.
The Asian peacock is a male peafowl. It is a large bird. It belongs to the pheasant family. Peacocks have big, colorful feathers. The long feathers trail behind it and form a train. The train looks like the bird’s tail. The bird’s tail is hidden under the train. A peacock lifts the feathers and makes a giant fan. The sight is beautiful.
What is the main topic of this passage?
a) What the Asian peacock looks like
b) The train of an Asian peafowl
c) A beautiful sight of peacock
d) Why a peacock lifts the feathers
a) What the Asian peacock looks like
Fewer than 11% of schools in the U.S. have recess. It means that millions of kids do not get to play for at least 20 minutes in school. These kids are missing out. Kids learn to interact differently with friends when they play. They behave differently in class or during recess. They are more on their own and have to make their own decisions while playing.
Knowing one should not push another kid is different from actually not pushing another kid while playing. Recess means time to practice what kids have learned at home and in class. Parents and teachers should let more kids in the U.S. have recess time.
Which of these is a main idea of the passage?
a) Kids in the U.S. are missing out on benefits because of too little to no recess time.
b) There are some things that kids learn from playing with other kids.
c) Parents and teachers in the U.S. need to play with children more.
d) Recess may be the only time some kids in the U.S. get any play time.
a) Kids in the U.S. are missing out on benefits because of too little to no recess time.
You can do your part in saving the planet in easy ways. You can do this every day. Remember to turn off the tap while cleaning your teeth. Some families waste 35,000 liters of water each year just by running the tap while brushing. In addition, turn off electronic gadgets when you are not using them. Remember to switch off or unplug computers, television, stereo, etc. This could cut electricity use by 10 percent. That is a lot. Try to walk, bike, or ride public transportation when you can. Driving or riding in a car everywhere is not necessary. Remember to be safe while doing so. Another easy thing to do is to reuse your own bags. Try not to use plastic bags when you shop. These are some ways you can give back to your planet.
Which detail supports the main idea of the passage?
a) Try to walk, bike, or ride public transportation when you can.
b) You can do this every day.
c) Remember to be safe while doing so.
d) That is a lot.
a) Try to walk, bike, or ride public transportation when you can.
Laughing is one of the best medicines. When we laugh, our bodies relax. Around 15 facial muscles get a workout when we laugh. Laughter releases a chemical called serotonin into our brains. This is the “feel good” hormone. It makes us feel good. Research shows that laughter helps our bodies fight diseases better. Just remember not to laugh at someone but to laugh with someone.
Choose the sentence that shows the main idea of the passage.
a) Laughter is good for health.
b) Just remember not to laugh at someone.
c) You have to laugh with someone.
d) Around 15 muscles get a workout
a) Laughter is good for health.
Tigers are beautiful animals. They live in the jungle. Tigers eat other animals. Tigers hunt for food at night. The tiger is a good swimmer.
The main idea is:
a) To show how tigers look.
b) To show why tigers are good pets.
c) To tell about tigers.
c) To tell about tigers.
People are not allowed to use, hand out, or buy chewing gum. The rule is for all kinds of chewing gums. As of 2018, tourists have to follow the chewing gum limit. The limit is two packs per person. People who do not follow this rule are charged with “gum smuggling.”
What is paragraph 2 about?
a) What tourists cannot bring to Singapore
b) What kinds of chewing gum are banned
c) The limit of chewing gum bought in Singapore
d) Rules about chewing gum in Singapore
d) Rules about chewing gum in Singapore
The city of Austin, Texas, is known for its love of nature. One of its most famous parks is called Zilker Metropolitan Park. It is located near the center of the city. People come here to boat, hike, and play in the fields that surround the Colorado River.
The park has a pool that flows directly from Barton Creek. The water in this pool is very cold throughout the whole year. The park also contains a miniature train that people of any age can ride. There is a playground and a botanical garden. The park also has fields for playing baseball and soccer. People can listen to live music and have picnics. Once a year, a hot air balloon festival is held here. If you love the outdoors, Zilker Park is one of the best places to visit.
Which of these is the main idea of the passage?
a) People go to Zilker Park if they like live music.
b) Zilker Park in Austin offers many outdoor activities.
c) In Austin, people can boat, hike or play.
d) Zilker Park has a pool that flows from Barton Creek.
b) Zilker Park in Austin offers many outdoor activities.
Albert Einstein said that imagination is more important than knowledge. This means that we should let kids imagine. The best way to do it is through play. Play is more than just fun. It is how kids learn. They know how the world works. They understand who they are.
Grown-ups can let kids figure out the games. They can also guide the kids. Little kids enjoy make-believe games or playing house. Bigger kids can play pretend obstacle courses or run through hurdles. Kids can use things around the house on their make-believe race track. Kids can work with others, use what they have, and simply imagine. When kids imagine, they learn how to solve problems. Letting kids play is one of the best things we can do for them.
Which detail, would support the main idea of the passage?
a) Wooden toys are better than plastic ones.
b) Always recycle the toys you have outgrown.
c) Imaginative play can be done for free.
d) Games of the old days are making a comeback.
c) Imaginative play can be done for free.
A study from Johns Hopkins University shows how music is good for the brain. It says listening to music gives the brain a workout. When musicians made up music while under an MRI machine, parts of their brains lit up. An MRI machine can show what is happening inside a brain. It helped us learn that music keeps one’s brain alert and active.
A person’s brain has to make connections between the notes. In other words, it works hard to make sense of the music. So, the brain gets exercise. New music also makes the brain work hard. The brain has to make sense of the new sounds, too. Listen to your favorite tunes. Try listening to something new. Either way, your brain will thank you.
What is the main idea of this passage?
a)Listening to favorite music helps the brain grow.
b) A brain can be studied under an MRI machine.
c) A study shows that listening to music makes the brain alert and active.
d) Scientists study how music is good for the brain.
c) A study shows that listening to music makes the brain alert and active.
Fred likes to go swimming. He swims every day that he can. He likes to swim in Blue Lake. Many of Fred's friends go swimming there too. Fred is a good swimmer.
a) Fred likes to swim often.
b) Fred does not swim alone
c) Fred is the best swimmer
a) Fred likes to swim often.
Meteors are rocks from space. These rocks come to Earth’s atmosphere. When the rocks come closer, rubbing against the air makes them very hot. We then see a shooting star. The brightness is not the rock but the hot air that glows.
When many space rocks come in at once, we see a meteor shower. These space rocks go around the sun. Their paths cross Earth’s path around the sun. So, we get space rocks in our sky. These are small. Most burn up while still in the air. All we see is a bright rain.
What is the passage mostly about?
a) The number of rocks in space
b) How meteor showers happen
c) Earth’s path around the sun
d) The size of meteor
b) How meteor showers happen
A cactus is a special type of plant that is known for its ability to live in extremely dry environments, such as deserts. Most cacti (the plural form of cactus) have thick, fleshy stems that help them store water. They also have sharp spines that can hurt you if you touch them. These are to protect them from animals that want to eat them. Cacti come in all different sizes. Some of them can grow to be over 60 feet tall! Others can be less than one inch in height. Almost all cacti have short roots. This is so that they can soak up water from the surface quickly after it rains.
Which of these is the main idea of the passage?
a) Although cacti may look different, they have the same important parts.
b) A cactus can live in very dry environments such as deserts.
c) Some cacti can grow to be very tall, over 60 feet.
d) Some cacti can be very small, less than one inch tall.
a) Although cacti may look different, they have the same important parts.
Martial Arts training helps kids in many ways. Kids who take formal lessons in Martial Arts learn many important skills. One effect of such lessons is the ability to focus. Kids learn to be still and to follow instructions. These skills help them become better students. Kids also learn how to respect others and themselves. So, they can be better citizens. In Martial Arts, kids can learn at their own pace. There is no pressure to beat anyone else. Unlike other team sports, Martial Arts focuses on what each kid can do on his or her own. There is no tough competition, so kids do not feel extra stress. This makes the lessons fun!
Which of these BEST describes the main idea of the passage?
a) Martial Arts focuses on one child at a time.
b) Martial Arts teaches kids to be still to practice.
c) Martial Arts lessons are fun for most kids.
d) Martial Arts training helps kids in many ways.
d) Martial Arts training helps kids in many ways.
Hurricanes did not always have names. In the West Indies, hurricanes were first named after saint’s days. They picked the name based on which saint’s day the hurricane happened. This went on for many years. For example, July 26 was Santa Ana day. A hurricane struck that day in 1825 in Puerto Rico. It was named Hurricane Santa Ana.
Then, tropical storms had women’s names. After 1978, men’s and women’s names were used. There is a group that decides the names. It is called World Meteorological Organization. The group has a system for the naming. For Atlantic hurricanes, there is one list of names. The list is in alphabetical order. The list is repeated every seventh year. Carol and David are two examples of the names.
What does paragraph 1 help the reader understand about the hurricane names?
a) The first names were only women’s names.
b) The first names were in alphabetical order.
c) The first names did not have a system.
d) The first names were after saint’s days.
d) The first names were after saint’s days.