Main Idea Practice

When we think of seaweed, we usually picture brown or green plants a foot or so in length.  Seaweeds are also of other colors.  Some are red.  Some kinds grow to lengths of a hundred feet!  These form giant seaweed forests, where many kinds of fish take shelter.  What is the main idea?

• Why some seaweed grows so large
• What seaweed is like
• Why seaweed is red

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RI.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.RL.3.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

Mark wanted to be a great skater. But he didn't want to spend the hours practicing. He wished he could just do the tricks easily. Mark's dream was to have everyone stop and stare when he entered the skate park. He  wanted them to say, "Mark is the best skater in the whole world."
What is the main idea?

• Mark wants everyone to think he's a great skater without doing the hard work.
• Mark practices very hard to become a great skater.
• Mark is the best skater at the park.
• Mark wants to learn how to skate so he can compete.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RI.2.2

If you are feeling sad, you can make yourself feel better by doing a few simple things. You can take a walk (or get another form of exercise), you can talk to a friend, or you can write down your feelings. Writing down the good things in your life will help too. Doing something good for someone else will also help you feel better. If you still feel a little sad, act happy. It works like magic to make you feel better!
What is the main idea?

• Sometimes people feel sad.
• You should do good things for others.
• We're not always happy.
• There are many ways to make yourself feel better. 

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

What does the MAIN IDEA of a story tell the reader?

• When to eat lunch
• The conflict of the story
• What the story is about 
• The universal truth, moral, or idea the author wants to express

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

The main idea is supported by what?

• concluding sentences
• details
• a chair

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

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.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

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.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

What is the main idea of this paragraph?

• The ice cream cone was invented in 1904.

• They ran out of ice cream at the World's fair.

• Ice cream is a yummy treat.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

What is the main idea of this paragraph?

• Roller coasters stop at the end of the track.

• Some kinds of roller coasters use magnets to make them stop.

• Roller coasters are fun.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RI.2.2