Main Idea 1
Main Idea 2
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

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

Homemade pizza is delicious. First, make the dough from flour, water, and yeast. After that, begin making the tomato sauce. Next, add any vegetables you like. Then, bake it in the oven. After a short time, the kitchen begins to smell delicious. Soon, it’s ready to eat! 

The main idea of this passage is: 

a. Pizza is made from flour 

b. How to make homemade pizza 

c. Pizza is easy to make 

d. Pizza makes the kitchen smell delicious

 b. How to make homemade pizza

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

If you are feeling sad, you can make yourself feel better by doing a few simple things. You can take a walk (or get another form of exercise), you can talk to a friend, or you can write down your feelings. Writing down the good things in your life will help too. Doing something good for someone else will also help you feel better. If you still feel a little sad, act happy. It works like magic to make you feel better! 

The main idea of this passage is:

 a. Sometimes people feel sad 

b. You should do good things for others 

c. We’re not always happy 

d. There are many ways to make yourself feel better

d. There are many ways to make yourself feel better

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.