Getting the Main Idea

Ramadan is the most important time of the year for Muslims. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and begins when the new moon appears. Ramadan is a month of fasting for healthy Muslims - they don’t eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. People eat two meals a day during Ramadan, one before sunrise and one after sunset.

What is the main idea of this paragraph?

• Ramadan is the most important time of the year for Muslims.

• It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and begins when the new moon appears.

• People eat two meals a day during Ramadan, one before sunrise and one after sunset.

• Ramadan is a month of fasting for healthy Muslims - they don’t eat or drink from sunrise to sunset.

Yesterday was my birthday. When I woke up, I noticed my brother Todd hung up a big sign that said, “Happy Birthday, Joey!” 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?

• Todd had a great day.

• Joey had a great birthday.

• Todd got tired preparing.

• Joey received lots of gifts.

I have a dog named Boots. I taught him lots of tricks. When I tell him to, Boots will sit or lie down. He can also wave his paw to greet people. When I say, “Dance, Boots.”, he will stand up on two legs and walk . I don’t know of many dogs that can do such amazing tricks.

What is the main idea of this paragraph?

• Boots can sit easily.

• Boots is a very smart dog.

• Most dogs can’t dance.

• The name of my dog is Boots.

Jessica has a cute cat named Lily. Lily was rescued from the pound a year ago. When Jessica and her father went to pick Lily up, there were many more dogs and cats that needed new homes. Jessica wished she could adopt all of them.

What is the main idea of this paragraph?

• Jessica’s cat is named Lily.

• Jessica wanted to adopt all animals.

• Jessica and her dad went to adopt a cat from the pound.

• There are many animals at the pound that need new homes.

All bees can be nasty, especially when they feel that their home is being threatened. If bees are buzzing around you, remember that they will not attack a motionless object. So, stand still and stay calm. Then, move slowly and carefully away from the hive. Don’t run or scream or slap at the bees. Doing so will greatly increase your chance of being stung.

What is the main idea of this paragraph?

• All bees can be nasty.

• Stings around beehives are unavoidable.

• Use strategies to avoid being stung by the bees.

• Stay away for beehives, it's dangerous.