Main Idea

Multiple Choice

What is a main idea?

• the big idea that the writer tries to get across; the most important thought about a topic

• a lesson that teaches us how to behave in the world

• the ending of a story

• a fact that supports the main idea

Multiple Choice

What is another word for key details?

• extra details

• random details

• supporting details

• point details

Multiple Choice

The job of key details is to do what?

• give the big idea about the topic

• support, or back up, the main idea

Multiple Choice

What would be the subject of an article called "The History of Cranberry Sauce"?

• cranberries

• fruits

• berries

• jelly

Multiple Choice

"Leaves change color in the fall. Some turn red or orange. Some others turn yellow or brown. They fall from the trees. You can go outside, rake the leaves into a huge pile, and then jump in!"

What is the main idea of this passage?

• how to make a leaf pile

• what leaves are like in the fall

• fall colors

Multiple Choice

"Turkeys are unique birds. They are large, and weigh between 10 and 25 pounds. Their feathers are mostly brown and black, but a male turkey is more colorful than a female. Turkeys have long red skin that hangs from their neck and is called a waffle. Turkeys have short, curved beaks that help them eat. They can peck at berries, nuts, and plants. Turkeys also sometimes eat snails, spiders, and insects.

Did you know that a male turkey gobbles and a female turkey clucks?"

What key detail from the passage supports the main idea that turkeys are very interesting?

• We eat turkey on Thanksgiving.

• Waffles taste delicious.

• Turkeys are large birds that can weigh at least 10 pounds.

Multiple Choice

"Thanksgiving Day is celebrated in the United States as a day for giving thanks for all of the blessings we've had that year.

It is celebrated each year on the fourth Thursday of November. The first Thanksgiving celebration was held in 1621. The Pilgrims and the Native Americans ate together back then. Today, we eat together with people who are important to us.

Traditional foods are turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Many people eat pumpkin pie for dessert. This gathering is a time to count our blessings and to be with our family and friends."

What is the main idea of this passage?

• Thanksgiving Day is a traditional day, to celebrate our blessings and family.

• The first Thanksgiving was held in 1621.

• Many people eat pumpkin pie for dessert.

Multiple Choice

"Thanksgiving Day is celebrated in the United States as a day for giving thanks for all of the blessings we've had that year.

It is celebrated each year on the fourth Thursday of November. The first Thanksgiving celebration was held in 1621. The Pilgrims and the Native Americans ate together back then. Today, we eat together with people who are important to us.

Traditional foods are turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Many people eat pumpkin pie for dessert. This gathering is a time to count our blessings and to be with our family and friends."

Click the option that gives three key details for this passage.

• turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce

• The Pilgrims and Native Americans ate together in 1621, We eat with people who are important to us today, We usually eat special traditional foods.

• The Pilgrims and Native Americans ate together in 1621, We eat with people who are important to us today, People eat pecan pie on Thanksgiving.

Multiple Choice

Look at this book cover. What would the main idea for this text probably be?

• Squirrels eat nuts in fall.

• During fall, the days get shorter and colder, and leaves fall from trees.

• Pumpkins and apples are popular fall foods.