Third Grade Main Idea

There are many fun things to do at the beach.  Swimming is one thing that can be done at the beach.  Snorkeling is another thing that can be enjoyed.  Playing beach volleyball can be a lot of fun.  It is also fun to look for shells.  Some people simply like to sunbathe.
What is the main idea?

• There are many fun things to do at the beach.
• It is also fun to look for shells.
• Some people simply like to sunbathe.
• Going to the beach to swim can be fun.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RI.2.2

Jenny visited her grandmother in the hospital.  She saw how kind and helpful the nurses were to her grandmother.  Now she wants to be a nurse when she grows up.  She wants to help sick people get well. 
What is the main idea?

• Jenny got sick.
• Jenny wants to be a nurse.
• Her grandmother was in the hospital.
• Jenny was glad the nurses were being kind to her grandmother.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

Mary has a new pet.  Her pet is a baby kitten.  It is soft and cuddly.  The kitten likes to sleep a lot.  Mary put a soft blanket in a box for its bed.  Mary plays with her kitten when it is awake.  She never forgets to feed her kitten.
What is the main idea?

• The kitten sleeps a lot.
• Mary plays with her kitten
• Mary’s new pet is a kitten.
• Mary want a new pet.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RI.2.2

The frog sat on the side of the pond.  He was very still.  His green color made him hard to see.  A bug flew near him.  His tongue zipped out, and he gobbled it up.  Then the frog was still again.  He waited for the next bug.
What is the main idea?

• Frogs are green .
• Frogs eat bugs.
• Frogs do not move.
• Frogs live in ponds.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RI.2.2

Jon held the ball in his hands.  He bounced it slowly on the ground.  Once. Twice. He crouched low and then jumped.  The ball flew into the air.  Up, up, up, it went.  Then down, down, into the basket.  “Yes!” he yelled.  “Nothing but net!”
What is the main idea?

• How to throw a basketball.
• Jon could jump.
• Jon liked basketball.
• Jon makes a basket.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

Many people have not heard giraffes make noises.  Giraffes do not use sounds to “talk” with each other.  When hurt, giraffes make a low moo, something like a cow.  When frightened, they make a short, high sound.
What is the main idea?

• Giraffes do make noises
• Giraffes talk all the time.
• Cows and giraffes talk to each other.
• Lots of people have heard giraffes talk.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.2.2

What is the main idea of a story?

• What the story is mostly about.
• The lesson the author wants you to learn.
• The characters in the story.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

Tom started to reel in his line. The fish tugged and pulled hard. Judging by the weight of his catch, this fish could feed his family for three days. Tom struggled to stay in the boat and not be pulled over the side. Finally his catch came into view. He had snagged a snapping turtle!
What is the main idea?

• Tom finds enough food for his family.
• Tom gets pulled out of his boat by a huge fish.
• Tom didn't catch anything.
• Tom catches a snapping turtle while fishing.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.2.2

I can't wait until this weekend! We’re going to my grandparents’ house and my entire family will be there. I will spend most of my time playing games with my cousins. We always have such a good time together! The day goes by so fast, and by the end we are all exhausted... but we still don’t want to leave!
What is the main idea?

• Weekends are times to travel.
• The author enjoys spending time with her family.
• The author's grandparents live far away.
• The author is sad to leave her cousins.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.2.2

Yesterday was my birthday. When I woke up, I noticed my brother Josh hung up a big sign that said,"Happy Birthday, Charles!" Mom made spaghetti for dinner.
It's my favorite food in the whole world. My friend Dave came over and handed me a wrapped gift. I wondered what it was. It was a new basketball! I had a great day.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?

• Josh got lots of gifts.
• Charles got a lot of gifts.
• Charles had a great birthday.
• Josh had a great birthday.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.2.2