Identifying the Central Idea of an Informational Text

Central Idea

by Norma Ricarto

Multiple Choice

Seated on his throne, King Midas wore a golden crown. He had golden rings on each finger and held a golden scepter. His vest was embroidered with golden thread and even his shoes had golden ornaments. He had a golden box filled with gold coins. He named his daughter Marigold.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?

• King Midas loved gold.
• King Midas sold lots of gold.
• King Midas had a heart of gold.
• King Midas hated gold.

Multiple Choice

What is the central idea?

• Its the authors point of view
• Is what the passage is mostly about
• It is the sequence of the story.

Multiple Choice

You should determine the central idea by combining the supporting details.

• True
• False

Multiple Choice

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! What is the central idea?

• Weekends are times to travel.
• The author enjoys spending time with her family.
• The author's grandparents live far away.
• The author is sad to leave her cousins.

Multiple Choice

There are many fun things to do at the beach.  Swimming is one thing that can be done at the beach.  Snorkeling is another thing that can be enjoyed.  Playing beach volleyball can be a lot of fun.  It is also fun to look for shells.  Some people simply like to sunbathe. What is the central idea?

• There are many fun things to do at the beach.
• It is also fun to look for shells.
• Some people simply like to sunbathe.
• Going to the beach to swim can be fun.

Multiple Choice

John and Matt want to be firemen.  They want to ride on the big fire truck.  John wants to climb ladders and rescue people from fires.  Matt wants to hold the big hose and spray water on the fires to put them out. What is the central idea?

• John wants to climb a ladder.
• John and Matt want to be firemen
• Matt wants to hold a fire hose.
• They want to ride on the big fire truck.

Multiple Choice

Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.  Soccer players learn how to dribble and pass the ball.  They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score.  Most importantly, soccer players learn how to work together with their teammates. What is the central idea?

• They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score.
• Soccer players learn how to dribble.
• They learn how to work together as teammates.
• Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.

Multiple Choice

What kind of sentence can tell the central idea of a paragraph?

• supporting detail

• topic sentence

• example sentence

• transition sentence

Multiple Choice

What might be the central idea of a book titled "Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables?"

• Tomatoes are good for you.
• Strawberries have seeds on the outside.
• It's important to eat vegetables and fruit.
• Spinach is good for your bones.

Multiple Choice

A SUPPORTING detail explains the main idea in a paragraph. What does SUPPORT mean?

• to search and find
• to hold up and help
• to end
• to write