Collection #1:Level up: Main Ideas and Supporting Details

Read the following passage.

Cause of Colds

The common cold is caused by a virus, which travels through the air into the nose. There are more than 100 types of cold viruses! The most common is the rhinovirus.

Which sentence from this passage reflects the main idea?

• The most common is the rhinovirus.

• The common cold is caused by a virus, which travels through the air into the nose.

• Everyone gets colds.

• There are more than 100 types of cold viruses!

Read the following title and subheading.

Title: Nutrition and You

Subheading: Why You Need Protein

What might be the main idea of a paragraph under this title and subheading?

• Protein is necessary for keeping your body healthy.

• It is important to eat calcium to have strong bones.

• Eating sugary foods gives you an energy rush—but doesn't provide any nutrition for your body.

• Some sources of protein are meat, fish, eggs, beans, and dairy products.

Read this passage.

Ten years ago, scientists thought that the weather on Mars was calm and peaceful. However, recent studies have shown otherwise. "Martian dust devils" are storms of swirling dust that can rise up to five miles in the air. Strong winds move large sand dunes, and enormous cyclones race across the planet.

What is the implied main idea of this passage?

• The weather on Mars is calm and peaceful.

• Stormy weather can be found on Mars.

• A Martian dust storm can rise up to five miles in the air.

• There are sand dunes on Mars.

Read the following main idea.

The design of roller coasters is based on the laws of physics.

Which of the following details does NOT support this main idea?

• Inertia is the force that keeps you in your seat during a loop-the-loop.

• There are no engines on roller coasters; kinetic energy drives the coaster forward.

• The amount of friction on the wheels affects the speed of the ride.

• Wooden roller coasters are scarier than steel roller coasters.

Read the following passage.

Depression is a common illness that is easy to treat. Unfortunately, many people don't take their symptoms seriously and don't talk to their doctors about their problems. They don't know that depression has a physical cause; it is not a sign of weakness or a mood that will just go away.

Which of the following details would best support the main idea of this passage?

• Girls are more likely to suffer from depression than boys

• Depression often runs in families.

• Jorge doesn't feel like himself anymore.

• Many people try to hide their depression and avoid getting help.