Main Idea Test

Benjamin Franklin loved to write.  When he was twenty-two, he set up his own printing shop and started a newspaper.  He also printed a book called Poor Richard’s Almanac.  It had funny stories, information about the weather, and wise sayings.

• Benjamin Franklin loved to write stories and books.
• Benjamin Franklin worked very hard when he was young.
• Benjamin Franklin knew a lot about the weather.
• Benjamin Franklin was very poor.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

Most of the world's volcanoes are part of the "The Ring of Fire." This is a ring of volcanoes that form a circle around the Pacific Ocean. Thousands of volcanoes make up "The Ring of Fire." These volcanoes formed the sea floor and many underwater mountains.

• There are thousands of volcanoes in the world.
• Most volcanoes are part of the "Ring of Fire."
• Some underwater mountains are volcanoes. 

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Earthquakes are caused when the plates of the Earth's crust move. Earthquakes happen along "fault lines" in the earth’s crust. When the plates in the Earth suddenly shift, the Earth will begin to shift, shake or tremble.

•  Earthquakes occur on "fault lines."
• Earthquakes cause a lot of damage. 
• Earthquakes are caused when the plates of the Earth's crust
    move.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

Floods can cause tremendous damage.  They can ruin houses, roads and buildings. Floods can take down trees and cause mudslides. It often leaves mud, sand and debris behind.  It can take months to clean up after a flood.

• Floods can cause a lot of damage.
• Floods cause mudslides.
• Floods damage houses and roads. 

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

I really like my new room. It's painted a nice shade of blue. It has soft, new carpet. A large closet has several shelves. Two windows make the room bright and airy. The best part of the room is the window seat which overlooks the backyard. 
What is the main idea?

• The author enjoys her new room.
• The author misses her old room.
• The author is disappointed she moved.
• The author dreams about having her own room one day.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Everyone was surprised when shy little Kate came out on stage. Her sweet voice carried the tune with perfect pitch. Suddenly, she forgot the words. She felt like crying, but then the audience started clapping. They thought the song was over! Kate smiled and took a bow.
What is the main idea?

• a.  Kate was frightened because she had never been on stage before.
• a.  Kate forgot the words and ran off stage.
• Kate forgets the words to her song and is surprised when everyone claps.
• Kate was the best singer that night.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Weather reporters have to give out a lot of information. That's why they use pictures. The pictures help them tell us about the weather without using so many words. Weather reporters need to know where the cold air is. They need to know where the warm air is. They have to know where it is raining and what types of clouds are in the area. Their reports need to be correct, but they also need to be short. The pictures help weather reporters get the information out in a fast way.
Which sentence best describes the main idea of the paragraph?

• Weather reporters need to know where the cold air is
• Pictures help weather reporters get information out in a fast way
• Their reports need to be correct, but they also need to be short
• They have to know where it is raining and what types of clouds are in the area

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

What is the best question to ask yourself when you are trying to find the main idea?

• Who is the main character?
• What is the main event?
• What is one important detail?
• What point is the author trying to make?

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

"I hate the idea of having all those people out there watching me...I just don't like it when I'm around so many people. I wish I just could hide somewhere," whispered Violet.
What can you infer about Violet?

• She is energetic
• She is shy
• She is mean
• She hates people

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

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.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.8.2