Identifying the Main Idea

Identify the main idea of the passage.

Fruits are important in our diet because of the vitamins and minerals they contain. Fruits are eaten in a number of ways. Fruits can be eaten fresh, canned, frozen, or dried. Fruits are made into jellies and jams. Fruit juices can be canned or frozen.

• Fruits can be eaten in many ways.

• Everyone must eat fruit every day.

• All fruits contain the same vitamins.

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CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.SL.3.2

Identify the main idea of the passage.

The grapefruit gets its name because the fruit grows in clumps like grapes. Years ago, people grew grapefruit trees for decoration only. Now the grapefruit is a popular fruit because it contains vitamins and it's good for us. It can be served as juice or eaten raw.

• Grapefruits are used for decoration.

• The grapefruit is a healthy food.

• Grapefruits can be yellow or pink.

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CCSS.RI.3.2

Identify the main idea of the passage.

One lemon tree can grow as many as 3,000 lemons in one year. The lemon is related to the orange. However, the lemon tree is harder to grow. The lemon is used in more ways than most other fruits. About half the lemons in the world are grown in California.

• The lemon has many uses.

• Lemons grow in warm climates.

• Oranges and lemons can grow in the same place.

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CCSS.RI.3.2

Identify the main idea of the passage.

Lizards can be as little as two or three inches long and as long as 12 feet long. Lizards can come in different shapes and colors as well. Of the 3,000 kinds of lizards, there are only two that are poisonous. Lizards can live on the ground, underground, in water, or in trees.

• All lizards are poisonous.

• Lizards are helpful to man.

• There are many kinds of lizards.

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CCSS.RI.3.2

Identify the main idea of the passage.

One kind of fish that looks a lot like a snake is the eel. It is a very long, thin fish with fins running along most of the top and bottom of its body. Eels come in a variety of sizes - from about two feet long to six feet long.

• The eel looks somewhat like a snake.

• The eel is a dangerous fish.

• The eel is related to the snake.

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CCSS.RI.3.2

Identify the main idea of the passage.

George was glad he entered the bike race. His bike was all clean. He even polished the fenders and the handlebars. The tires were filled with the correct amount of air. The race was to be a five-mile ride through the park. George felt sure he would beat the other 24 riders.

• George wins the race.

• George loses the race.

• George enters a race.

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CCSS.RI.3.1

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.3.1

Identify the main idea of the passage.

The hamster is an ideal pet. This tiny animal is related to the mouse and rat. A hamster weighs about one quarter of a pound and is about five to six inches long. Hamsters are clean. They can live in a small cage or pen. They eat vegetable scraps and grain.

• The hamster is a small rat.

• Hamsters are used for laboratory tests.

• The hamster is a popular pet.

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CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.SL.3.2

Identify the main idea of the passage.

One of the most welcome sights in the desert is the cactus. The cactus is a plant that can store large amounts of water. It has a thick, tough skin to keep the water in. There are many kinds of cacti. Some grow as tall as 50 feet.

• The cactus grows in most parts of the world.

• The cactus is a beautiful-looking plant.

• The cactus is designed for storing water.

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CCSS.RI.3.2

Identify the main idea of the passage.

One of the most amazing birds is the hummingbird. This tiny bird is usually no longer than four inches long. It does not sing, but it squeaks. Hummingbirds move their wings about 50 times a second. The hummingbird is the only bird that can fly backwards.

• The hummingbird is the smallest bird.

• The hummingbird has a beautiful song.

• Hummingbirds are unusual birds.

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CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.SL.3.2

Identify the main idea of the passage.

One of the poisonous snakes that lives in the United States is the Copperhead. It gets its name from the color of its head. The snake is about three feet in length. Copperheads will not attack if left alone. Copperheads eat frogs, small birds, and rodents.

• There are many poisonous snakes in the United States.

• The main idea of the passage was to describe the Copperhead.

• Copperheads are found in all parts of the United States.

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CCSS.RI.3.2