Life of Pi Excerpt By Yann Martel I was alone and orphaned, in the middle of the Pacific, hanging on to an oar, an adult tiger in front of me, sharks beneath me, a storm raging about me.Had I considered my prospects in the light of reason, I surely would have given up and let go of the oar,hoping that I might drown before being eaten. But I don’t recall that I had a single thought during those first minutes of relative safety. I didn’t even notice daybreak. I held on to the oar, I just held on, God only knows why. The elements allowed me to go on living.The lifeboat did not sink. Richard Parker kept out of sight. The sharks prowled but did not lunge. The waves splashed me but did not pull me off. I watched the ship as it disappeared with much burbling and belching. Lights flickered and went out. I looked about for my family, for survivors, for another lifeboat, for anything that might bring me hope. There was nothing. Only rain, marauding waves of black ocean and the flotsam of tragedy. The darkness melted away from the sky. The rain stopped. What is the main idea?

The narrator explains the shipwreck and his survival.

The tiger keeps the survivors from safety.

The ship sinks with no survivors.

The elements allow the narrator to survive.

Weather reporters have to give out a lot of information. That's why they use pictures. The pictures help them tell us about the weather without using so many words. Weather reporters need to know where the cold air is. They need to know where the warm air is. They have to know where it is raining and what types of clouds are in the area. Their reports need to be correct, but they also need to be short. The pictures help weather reporters get the information out in a fast way. Which sentence best describes the main idea of the paragraph?

Pictures help weather reporters get information out in a fast way

Weather reporters need to know where the cold air is

Their reports need to be correct, but they also need to be short

They have to know where it is raining and what types of clouds are in the area

The peregrine falcon is a beautiful wild bird. It is also one of the fastest. In 1978, the peregrine falcon was placed on the endangered species list. The main reason the peregrine falcon was dying out was the use of pesticides. Which of the following is NOT a supporting detail?

The peregrine falcon is an amazing bird

The peregrine falcon is one of the fastest wild birds

It was placed on the endangered species list

It was dying out because of pesticides

Do you enjoy kites? If you order right away, we will give you directions for making kites out of all kinds of materials-sticks, straws, socks, and more. All of this for only $10.95. Hurry! Time is limited. What is this ad trying to get the reader to do?

Buy information about kite making.

buy information about sticks and straws.

Buy information about sock puppets.

IDENTIFY THE MAIN IDEA Being a clown isn't all fun and games. Rodeo clowns expose themselves to great danger every time they perform. When cowboys dismount or bulls buck them off, rodeo clowns jump in front of the bulls and motion wildly to get their attention. In this way rodeo clowns provide an alternate target, and in doing so protect the rider. Of course, this is a very dangerous thing to do. So you see, sometimes clowning around can be serious business.

Rodeo clowns protect cowboys by putting themselves in danger.

Sometimes clowns can mean serious bussiness.

Cowboys and Rodeo Clowns are constantly in danger.

A Rodeo bull's attention is easily caught by Rodeo clowns.

IDENTIFY THE MAIN IDEA Sometime in December of 1891, Dr. James Naismith was teaching gym at the YMCA College in Springfield, Massachusetts. It was raining, and Dr. Naismith was trying to keep his students active. He wanted them playing a rough game that would keep them moving. He didn't like a few ideas that were too rough. Then Naismith had his breakthrough. He wrote out the rules for a game with peach baskets fixed to ten-foot elevated tracks. Naismith's students played against one another, passing the ball around and shooting it into the peach baskets. Dribbling wasn't a part of the original game. Also it took a while to realize that the game would run more smoothly if the bottoms of the baskets were removed. But this game grew to be one of the most popular sports in America today. Can you guess which one?

The most popular sport in America

Dr. James Naismith's career in teaching

IDENTIFY THE MAIN IDEA Before you put on that skeleton costume and rove door-to-door pandering for candy, take a minute to reflect on this tradition. Halloween is believed to have come from an ancient Celtic festival dating back some 2,000 years. November 1st was the Celtic New Year and marked the end of summer to the Celts. They celebrated on its eve by wearing costumes made of animal skins and dancing around bon fires. Over the next two millennia, this primitive celebration grew to be the candy fueled costume ball that we know today.

Why the skeleton costume is the best for Halloween

IDENTIFY THE MAIN IDEA You might think that all automobile fuels are the same, but they aren't. Automobiles can run on one of three types of fuel: gasoline, diesel, and biodiesel. All these fuels are burned inside of the engine, which creates the heat and energy that is used to power the car. But there are important differences between these fuels. Gasoline and diesel are more common than biodiesel. But each burns differently. Diesel fuel is heavier and less flammable than gasoline, so it has to be compressed before it will burn. Gasoline may be lighter than diesel, but both fuels are made from crude oil. On the other hand, biodiesel fuel is made from vegetables. Both biodiesel and diesel fuels must be burned in diesel engines, which only use diesel fuel. If gasoline is pumped into a diesel engine, it will have to be pumped out. These fuels may look pretty similar at the gas station, but remember that there are important differences between them or it may cost you.

Gasoline, diesel, and biodiesels area all fuels, but they have important differences in how they are made and used.

Which fuel is best to use for your car

How fuels change the way we drive

IDENTIFY THE MAIN IDEA Yellowstone National Park is mainly located in Wyoming, although three percent is located in the state of Montana. The Continental Divide of North America runs diagonally through the southwestern part of the park. The park sits on the Yellowstone Plateau, which is an average elevation of 8,000 feet above sea level. This plateau is bounded on nearly all sides by mountain ranges. There are 290 waterfalls that are at least fifteen feet in the park, the highest being the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, which falls 308 feet.

Physical features of the Yellowstone Park

Yellowstone Park's beautiful water falls

The continental Divide of North America

IDENTIFY THE MAIN IDEA When one hears the term "reality" applied to a show, one might expect that the events portrayed occurred naturally or, at the least, were not scripted. This is not always the case. Many reality shows occur in unreal environments, like rented mansions occupied by film crews. Such living environments do not reflect what most people understand to be "reality." Worse, there have been accusations that events not captured on film were later restaged by producers. Worse still, some involved in the production of "reality" television claim that the participants were urged to act out story lines premeditated by producers. With such accusations floating around, it's no wonder many people take reality TV to be about as real as the sitcom.

Reality TV is not as real as they show you to be.

The everyday work on a set of a reality TV show.

How important is to watch reality TV shows

The similarities of reality TV with sitcoms.

IDENTIFY THE MAIN IDEA When one hears the term "reality" applied to a show, one might expect that the events portrayed occurred naturally or, at the least, were not scripted. This is not always the case. Many reality shows occur in unreal environments, like rented mansions occupied by film crews. Such living environments do not reflect what most people understand to be "reality." Worse, there have been accusations that events not captured on film were later restaged by producers. Worse still, some involved in the production of "reality" television claim that the participants were urged to act out story lines premeditated by producers. With such accusations floating around, it's no wonder many people take reality TV to be about as real as the sitcom.

Reality TV is not as real as they show you to be.

The everyday work on a set of a reality TV show.

How important is to watch reality TV shows

The similarities of reality TV with sitcoms.

Have you ever carried a stone around in your pocket? According to a tradition of the Seneca, a favorite stone can tell something about you. If your stone is smooth, it means you are gentle. A rough stone means that you follow creative ideas. Gray stones suggest that you are friendly, while brown ones mean you love nature. The shape of your stone has meaning too. A round stone says you are flexible. Is your stone oval? You are seeking a better life. What is the main idea of this passage?

Stones have meaning to the Seneca.

It's good to carry stones in your pocket.

Stones are precious possessions.

Passages from Main Idea and Summarizing (Beech) A roller brigade glides down a boulevard in Paris. This group of in-line skaters is part of the city's police force. Their job is to keep bus lanes free of passenger cars on busy streets. They also pull over drivers who are chatting on mobile phones. The best part of their work is posing for pictures with tourists. The rolleurs wear helmets and knee pads as part of their uniform. Even so, it can be tricky to navigate some streets in Paris, especially those paved with cobblestones. Which of the following best states the main idea of this paragraph?

Some police in Paris work on skates.

Paris has a lot of automobile traffic

A rolleur wears a helmet and pads

In-line skates are not just for fun.

Identifying the Main Idea

Authored by Cecelia Stith

English

8th Grade

20 Questions

CCSS covered

Used 36+ times

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Content View

Student View

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

5 mins • 1 pt

It was raining outside. Sue got out of bed and got dressed for school. Then, she ate breakfast and grabbed her backpack. Before Sue left the house, she probably ___________________.

got her sunglasses

made a sandwich

picked up her umbrella

put on sandals

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

5 mins • 1 pt

What is the meaning of main idea?

It's the authors point of view

It's what the passage is mostly about

It is the sequence of the story.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

5 mins • 1 pt

You should determine the main idea by combining the supporting details.

True

False

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

5 mins • 1 pt

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.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

5 mins • 1 pt

IDENTIFY THE MAIN IDEA
“Hurry up! We’re going to be late to the movie,” exclaimed Neil as he tugged on his mom’s arm. He hurriedly put on his shoes and ran to the door.
Neil is _________________ about going to the movie.

Nervous

Scared

Excited

Indecisive

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

5 mins • 1 pt

Soccer is known in some countries as football. It is a popular sport across the world, with over 200 countries playing the sport. It is estimated that over 250 million people, both men and women, play soccer. The sport has been part of the Olympic games from 1900 to 1928 and from 1936 to today.
What is the main idea?

Soccer is important at the Olympics.

Soccer is a worldwide sport.

Soccer is also called football.

Soccer is played by men and women.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

5 mins • 1 pt

Floods can cause tremendous damage. They can ruin houses, roads and buildings. Floods can take down trees and cause mudslides. It often leaves mud, sand and debris behind. It can take months to clean up after a flood.
What is the main idea?

Floods can cause a lot of damage.

Floods cause mudslides.

Floods damage houses and roads.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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Identifying the Main Idea

It was raining outside. Sue got out of bed and got dressed for school. Then, she ate breakfast and grabbed her backpack. Before Sue left the house, she probably ___________________.

What is the meaning of main idea?

You should determine the main idea by combining the supporting details.

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?

IDENTIFY THE MAIN IDEA“Hurry up! We’re going to be late to the movie,” exclaimed Neil as he tugged on his mom’s arm. He hurriedly put on his shoes and ran to the door.Neil is _________________ about going to the movie.

Floods can cause tremendous damage. They can ruin houses, roads and buildings. Floods can take down trees and cause mudslides. It often leaves mud, sand and debris behind. It can take months to clean up after a flood. What is the main idea?

The peregrine falcon is a beautiful wild bird. It is also one of the fastest. In 1978, the peregrine falcon was placed on the endangered species list. The main reason the peregrine falcon was dying out was the use of pesticides. Which of the following is NOT a supporting detail?

Access all questions and much more by creating a free account

Popular Resources on Wayground

Discover more resources for English

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?

IDENTIFY THE MAIN IDEA
“Hurry up! We’re going to be late to the movie,” exclaimed Neil as he tugged on his mom’s arm. He hurriedly put on his shoes and ran to the door.
Neil is _________________ about going to the movie.

Floods can cause tremendous damage. They can ruin houses, roads and buildings. Floods can take down trees and cause mudslides. It often leaves mud, sand and debris behind. It can take months to clean up after a flood.
What is the main idea?

The peregrine falcon is a beautiful wild bird. It is also one of the fastest. In 1978, the peregrine falcon was placed on the endangered species list. The main reason the peregrine falcon was dying out was the use of pesticides.
Which of the following is NOT a supporting detail?