Main Idea

Dogs and Wolves

Dogs and wolves are part of the same animal family. Both animals have strong senses of smell and are loyal to their packs. But dogs and wolves are quite different when it comes to people. Dogs are used to living with people and get along well with them. In fact, dogs have been called "man's best friend." Wolves, on the other hand, cannot live with humans. Wolves prefer to live in the wild, where they can hunt for their food. Clearly, dogs belong with people, while wolves do not.

What is the main idea?

• Dogs are better suited to living with people than wolves are.

• Wolves and dogs are members of the same animal family and have things in common.

• Wolves are better than dogs

• Dogs are better than wolves.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

A Woman of Firsts

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was the first woman to be elected as the leader of an African country. As president of Liberia, she made huge improvements in peoples' lives. Before Johnson Sirleaf became president in 2005, Liberia was in debt, and most people didn't have jobs. The country had also been divided by a long war. After Johnson Sirleaf entered office, she asked other countries for help with the debt. She made it possible for more girls to go to school. She also worked for peace in Liberia. Because of the important work she did in Liberia, she won a Nobel Peace Prize in 2011.

What is the main idea?

• Ellen worked to give girls the opportunity to go to school.

• Ellen's work made the lives of many people better.

• Ellen won many prizes

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

Saving Water in the Garden

Many people like to grow flowers and vegetables in their own gardens. They may also want to help the planet by conserving water. How can people both enjoy their gardens and lower their water use? One way is to water plants close to their roots, where water is needed. Another way is to recycle water used indoors. For example, people can water plants with leftover water from cooking. Yet another way is to choose plants that don't need much water to grow. These are just some of the many ways that the home gardener can conserve water.

What is the main idea?

• Using less water in the garden is a good way to help the planet.

• People can do many things to cut back on water use in the garden.

• Watering plants is good for the environment

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

A Fearless Explorer

English explorer Henry Hudson made four voyages to find a northern route to Asia. Each time, thick ocean ice brought his trips to an end. Though he never found a northern route, Hudson still became famous. On his voyages, he explored the eastern waterways of North America. He also discovered what would become known as Hudson Bay. A river, bridges, schools, and even towns now bear his name. His efforts helped light the way for more Europeans to settle in North America.

What is the main idea of the passage?

• Henry tried four times to find a route to Asia, but had no success.

• Henry traveled to Northern Asia.

• Henry never reached his goal, but is still one of the best-known explorers.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

Nuts and Peanuts

According to many studies, eating nuts may be good for your heart. Nuts contain good fats, vitamin E, and fiber, all of which are heart-healthy. Some people may not buy nuts often because they are expensive. But there are many less expensive foods that have the same health benefits as nuts. Peanuts, for example, are also good for your heart. Despite their name, peanuts are not actually nuts. They're legumes, like beans. In one study, people who ate either true nuts or peanuts were less likely to die of heart disease than people who didn't. Other studies have also suggested that peanuts are good for the heart.

What is the main idea of the passage?

• Nuts contain many nutrients that are good for your heart, but they can be expensive.

• Peanuts are disgusting

• True nuts are good for your heart, but peanuts can also benefit you.

• People usually like peanuts better than most nuts.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

An American Hero Finally Rewarded

African American track star Jesse Owens made breaking records look easy. As a student at The Ohio State University in 1935, he set a world record in the long jump. That record stood for twenty-five years. At the 1936 Olympic Games, he won four gold medals and broke several more records. But it took forty years for Owens's Olympic victories to receive the attention they deserved. When he returned to the U.S., he didn't meet with the president, unlike most champions. It wasn't until 1976 that President Gerald Ford presented Owens with the Medal of Freedom.

What is the main idea of the passage?

• It took many years for Jesse to be fully recognized for his success at the Olympics.

• Jesse began breaking records early in his career and went on to earn several Olympic gold medals.

• Jesse was mad because he didn't meet with the president.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

Which of the following text features can help determine the main idea of a passage?

• headings/subheadings

• maps

• diagram

• labels

Tags

CCSS.RI.1.5

CCSS.RI.2.5

CCSS.RI.K.5

What is the topic sentence?

• A sentence, usually at the beginning of a paragraph, that states the main idea.

• The heading of subheading

• The supporting details of the passage.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

The main idea is..

• What the passage is mostly about

• how the passage is organized

• the problem, solution, and lesson learned

• the character's thoughts and actions.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

Mrs. Cox is the best teacher ever. She always makes reading fun and is super hilarious. Sometimes she let's us play at recess, even if we talk too much.

What is the main idea of this passage? :)

• Mrs. Cox is AWESOME

• Mrs. Cox loves her dog Maddox.

• Recess is fun

• Mrs. Cox is the worst

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2