Review of Central Idea [Night Unit]

Recall: What is central idea?

Central Idea

• Central idea: the overall idea of a paragraph or chunk of text.

• Central idea is different than summary as a central idea does not include major ideas; rather, it includes in a broad sense what is being said.

• It typically is one to two sentences.

Definition

​Let's Try an Example Together

​​What is the central idea of this paragraph?

​The Wright brothers, noteworthy for flying the first aircraft, struggled with mechanical failures in their engines, thus repeatedly stalling their progress. Early versions of their engines were unreliable, often overheating or failing to generate enough power. These technical issues made it difficult to keep their aircraft in the air long enough to test other design elements. As a result, the brothers spent considerable time redesigning and refining their engines while focusing on improving their performance and reliability. This resilience proved fruitful as they successfully flew the Wright Flyer on December 17, 1903, in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

A. The Wright brothers were known for flying the first aircraft.
B. By dedicating significant effort to improving their aircraft's design, the Wright brothers overcame challenges with engine functionality.
C. The Wright brothers' engine issues made flying their aircraft a frustrating challenge.
D. Overheating and failure to generate enough power were design features the Wright Brothers had to fix for successfully getting their aircraft to fly.

<Answer on Next Slide>

We rocked this question!

​​What is the central idea of this paragraph?

​The Wright brothers, noteworthy for flying the first aircraft, struggled with mechanical failures in their engines, thus repeatedly stalling their progress. Early versions of their engines were unreliable, often overheating or failing to generate enough power. These technical issues made it difficult to keep their aircraft in the air long enough to test other design elements. As a result, the brothers spent considerable time redesigning and refining their engines while focusing on improving their performance and reliability. This resilience proved fruitful as they successfully flew the Wright Flyer on December 17, 1903, in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

A. The Wright brothers were known for flying the first aircraft.
B. By dedicating significant effort to improving their aircraft's design, the Wright brothers overcame challenges with engine functionality.
C. The Wright brothers' engine issues made flying their aircraft a frustrating challenge.
D. Overheating and failure to generate enough power were design features the Wright Brothers had to fix for successfully getting their aircraft to fly.

​

Your Turn!
Do you have any questions before we embark on this adventure?

Multiple Choice

1. What is the BEST central idea of the following paragraph?
Legends make children dream of princesses riding bareback through fields of fragrant heather. They immortalize noble knights, champions for humanity, who fought tyranny as they raced through a village with swords brandished and banners waving in the afternoon breeze. Legends awaken the imagination in the young and spur creativity in the old. The famous and trustworthy story of King Arthur is one of those inspiring legends made famous through repeated telling. According to the stories about King Arthur, he strove to lead all down the path of goodness and prosperity without any foolish moves or attacks of cowardice. He is a reminder to all that valor, integrity, and honor are important in the face of opposition.

• A. King Arthur can teach important lessons to young children.

• B. Legends, like King Arthur, inspire people of all ages.

• C. Legends, like that of King Arthur, are like fairtayles.

Multiple Choice

2. What is the BEST central idea of the following paragraph?

When Dr. James Naismith invented the game of basketball at Springfield College in 1891, he incorporated aspects of existing games such as rugby, soccer, and lacrosse and established thirteen rules for play. None of these thirteen rules entailed keeping both feet on the ground; still, for the next several decades, basketball was a sedate game with few fast moves or high jumps. In fact, in the 1930s, when University of Missouri player John Cooper tried an innovative play—jumping while shooting—his coach pulled him out of the game. However, after watching Cooper perform the move in practices, the coach eventually had a change of heart and allowed Cooper to use the jump shot at games. Meanwhile, similar situations were taking place at other colleges. As a result of the tradition-breaking moves of a few unorthodox players, the jump shot caught on and became an integral part of the game.

• A. Because John Cooper's jump shot was an eye-catching move, his coach eventually allowed him to use it during games.

• B. Because innovators like John Cooper challenged the conventions of basketball, the jump shot became a popular move.

• C. Dr. James Naismith created the jump shot in basketball.

Multiple Choice

3. What is the BEST central idea of the following paragraph?

Red scanned the prairie, his eyes finding nothing out of place. He frowned, puzzled by Texas Joe’s frantic hollering. Texas Joe stood nearby, swatting at the air as if chasing a phantom. Whatever he had seen was gone now, leaving him looking half-crazed.

“You’ve got to believe me, Red. It was here, I swear,” Texas Joe insisted, his voice shaky.

Red glared at him, the prairie grass swaying lazily in the breeze, the soft hum of locusts filling the silence. “What was here, Texas Joe?” he asked, his tone sharp. He was annoyed—his sleep disturbed for seemingly no apparent reason.

• A. Texas Joe insists he saw a ghost although Red doesn't believe him.

• B. Red is angry that Texas Joe lied about the presence of a ghost.

• C. Texas Joe looks crazy for believing in ghosts.

• D. Red has poor eyesight, so he cannot see Texas Joe's ghost.

Multiple Choice

4. What is the BEST central idea of the following paragraph?

Recently, a 114 million dollar bond was approved; it will be used in the upcoming year to renovate existing schools and build new schools in the North Point School District. Additions will also be built on the three high schools, three new elementary schools will be built, and a Career Center will also be constructed for high school students on the campus of North Point Community College. In addition, technology in the district will be brought up to date, teachers will receive bonuses denied last year, and two new vice principals will be hired for Smithson Middle School and Harry P. Shulte Middle School.

• A. North Point School District received a 114 million dollar bond which will be used for new hires and additions to the school.

• B. North Point School District has received bond money to build new schools and update technology in the upcoming year.

• C. North Point School District has received bond money which will be used to upgrade the entire school district in various ways this upcoming year.

• D. North Point School District clearly cares about its students’ well-being.

Multiple Choice

5. What is the BEST central idea of the following paragraph?

Almost everyone would agree that cleaning up the environment and keeping it that way is a positive endeavor. The obvious negative impacts on human health and the ecosystems on Earth are well understood. The government of the U.S. has requested voluntary action from citizens and industry, and it has also legislated action to start the clean-up process. An example of this is the Clean Air Act. The good news is that this law requires that emissions into the air meet certain standards that will help clean up the environment. Under this act, cars have to reduce emissions of nitrous oxides by 60%, and "clean coal" technologies have to reduce harmful emissions by 20%. The bad news is the cost of compliance. Estimates of consumer costs for a cleaner environment go as high as $50 billion a year, and that study does not even take into account the loss of jobs from reshaping industries to meet the new standards. The repercussions clearly need to be further studied to determine if they outweigh the postives.

• A. Industries in nations like the United States have taken steps like requiring cars to reduce emissions of nitrous oxides.

• B. Industries are doing their part to reduce emissions that are known to have ill effects on the environment and human health.

• C. Although positive efforts have been made towards keeping the environment clean, the repercussions of such efforts need to be evaluated.

• D. Because of the Clean Air Act, the world can be free from pollunants.