Identifying Topics & Main Ideas

Today, giant pandas are at risk of becoming extinct. Only about 1,000 giant pandas are left in the wild. All of these inhabit a small area in the bamboo forests of China. About 140 live in captivity. It is one of the most severely endangered species in the world.

What is the topic of this paragraph?

• giant pandas

• bamboo forests of China

• endangered species

• extinction

Today, giant pandas are at risk of becoming extinct. Only about 1,000 giant pandas are left in the wild. All of these inhabit a small area in the bamboo forests of China. About 140 live in captivity. It is one of the most severely endangered species in the world.

What is the main idea of this paragraph?

• small bamboo forests in China are home to giant pandas

• 1000 giant pandas are left in the wild

• 140 giant pandas live in captivity

• giant pandas are at risk of becoming extinct

The Pterosaur was a flying reptile that lived millions of years ago. Often referred to as Pterodactyl or "wing finger, at least 60 different types existed. The wings of the Pterosaur were thin membranes of skin, similar to the wings of bats, and extended along the sides of the body. Some were no bigger than a sparrow while others were monsters with wingspans in excess of 40 feet!

What is the topic of this paragraph?

• bats

• Pterosaur

• winged animals

• monsters

The Pterosaur was a flying reptile that lived millions of years ago. Often referred to as Pterodactyl or "wing finger, at least 60 different types existed. The wings of the Pterosaur were thin membranes of skin, similar to the wings of bats, and extended along the sides of the body. Some were no bigger than a sparrow while others were monsters with wingspans in excess of 40 feet!

What is the main idea of this paragraph?

• Scientists have discovered at least 60 different types of Pterosaurs.

• Winged animals have thin membranes of skin.

• The Pterosaur was a flying reptile that lived millions of years ago.

• Some Pterosaurs are no bigger than a sparrow.

Working dogs are amazing animals specially trained to protect people and to make life easier for them. Some working dogs act as eyes for blind people, ears for the hearing impaired, and helpers for the physically challenged. Others help ranchers protect and move sheep and cattle from place to place. Police dogs help officers catch criminals, find illegal drugs and weapons. Search dogs are trained to find disaster victims and missing people.

What is the topic of this paragraph?

• blind people

• working dogs

• ranchers

• sheep and cattle

Working dogs are amazing animals specially trained to protect people and to make life easier for them. Some working dogs act as eyes for blind people, ears for the hearing impaired, and helpers for the physically challenged. Others help ranchers protect and move sheep and cattle from place to place. Police dogs help officers catch criminals, find illegal drugs and weapons. Search dogs are trained to find disaster victims and missing people.

What is the main idea of this paragraph?

• Police dogs help officers catch criminals.

• Illegal drugs and weapons are dangerous.

• People who are blind and deaf are also physically challenged.

• Working dogs are amazing animals, specially trained to protect people.