Main Idea and Text Structure

Informational Texts: Central Idea & Text Structure

Multiple Choice

The Space Needle was built in 1962 in

Seattle, Washington for the World's Fair.

It is 605 feet tall (184 m) from the ground to

the aircraft warning beacon at the very top.

Visitors can ride an elevator to the observation

deck at 520 (158 m) feet. They can also dine in a

revolving restaurant near the top of the needle.

Which text structure is used in the paragraph?

• compare and constrast

• description

• problem and solution

• sequence

Multiple Choice

Malaria is a serious problem in many

developing countries. Thousands of people

get sick with Malaria every year. Because Malaria

is spread by mosquitoes, one way to help solve

the problem is for people to use mosquito nets

over their beds. If the mosquitoes cannot get to

the people, they cannot infect them!

Which text structure is used in the paragraph?

• compare and contrast

• description

• problem and solution

• sequence

Multiple Choice

To make a yummy smoothie, first put some milk into a blender. Then add a banana and some frozen berries such as strawberries and

blueberries. You may also want to add some grapes.

Next, turn your blender to its lowest setting and

gradually increase the speed until everything is

blended. Then pour it into a glass and enjoy!

Which text structure is used in the paragraph?

• compare and contrast

• description

• problem and solution

• sequence

Multiple Choice

Electricity can flow through some kinds of materials, but not through others. Materials that electricity can flow through are called conductors. Metal and water are both

conductors. By contrast, materials that electricity

cannot flow through are called insulators. Plastic,

glass, fabric, and wood are all insulators.

Which text structure is used in the paragraph?

• compare and contrast

• description

• problem and solution

• sequence

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 main 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 main 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

A bat can fly at night or even with its eyes closed.  But if you cover its ears, it can't fly very well.  Bats make sounds that people can't hear.  The bats find their way by listening to these sounds as they echo off things.  Bats even locate insects to eat by following the sounds that bounce off the bugs.  People use their eyes, but bats use their ears to know where they're going.  This paragraph mainly tells:

• how bats use sound
• what things bats often eat as food
• how bats fly toward people
• how people can hear the sounds of bats