central idea,main idea, and theme

People often refer to taxes in terms of their being much too high. In reality, they are probably even higher than you think, because in addition to the federal income tax we are now studying, there are many other Federal, State, and local taxes, including sales taxes, inheritance taxes, state income taxes, personal property taxes, real estate taxes, and others. These are just some of the most obvious ones. 

• Taxes are much too high. 
• We pay more taxes than we may realize. 
• Inheritance taxes and real estate taxes are unfair. 
• Some taxes are hidden. 

Liz, Jenny, and Kathy were best friends until they had a fight.  “You never play with us anymore,” Liz said to Kathy.  “You think you’re better than we are because you’re making more friends,” Jenny joined in.  “I like you, but it doesn’t mean I must spend all my time with you,” Kathy said.  “Why don’t we play ball this afternoon and I’ll ask Sue and Andrea to join us.”
What is the main idea?

• Three friends decide to play ball.
• There is a problem among three friends.
• Kathy makes new friends.

Have you ever wondered where chalk comes from?  Tiny animals called foraminifera live in the sea.  Each of these small living animals makes a tiny shell out of lime.  When they die, their shells remain.  With time, these shells become layers of white rock which we call chalk.  Chalk is often found in places that were once underwater.
What is the main idea?

• Chalk is found in the ocean
• Chalk is soft stone that is used on blackboards
• Real chalk is made by a small sea animal.

What is the theme of this story?  

• Eat your vegetables.
• Don't brag. Be modest. 
• Don't talk to strangers. 
• Necessity is the mother of invention.

What is the theme of this story? 

• Necessity is the mother of invention.
• Don't steal.
• Respect your elders.
• Slowly but surely wins the race.

Which of these things is not related to the "theme" in a story?

• how a character is feeling
• a "life lesson" the main character learns
• a big idea that people from any culture or any place can understand
• the moral of the story

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

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.

School uniforms are far cheaper than the currently popular fashions. Many students work long hours at a paying job instead of doing homework because they feel they have to "keep up appearances." If students wore uniforms, there would be no need for most of them to have jobs that take away from their study time.

This passage is mostly about?

• popular fashions being expensive
• school uniforms being a good idea.
• students working many hours at jobs.
• teens enjoying wearing uniforms.

Shuttle Endeavour will thunder into orbit this week with an American flag on its right wing. The ship will carry its most international crew ever launched. The spaceship is headed for the International Space Station. Four Americans are on board, along with Russian, Canadian, and Italian astronauts. This multinational crew will be symbolic of those who will work and live on the growing outpost. The station is a joint project of 16 nations on four continents.

This passage is mostly about?

• the American flag on the space shuttle's wing.
• the brand new International Space Station.
• the Russian aboard the American space shuttle.
• the cultural crew aboard the space shuttle.