Identify Main Idea and Logical Transitions II

To identify the topic, look for repetition. Which words are most repeated?

Huge beasts such as the dinosaur have never really become extinct. Mothra, a giant caterpillar who later becomes a moth, destroys Tokyo, and stars in the 1962 Japanese film named for him. Mothra is born, dies, and reborn regularly on classic movie channels. In Japan, Mothra is one of the most popular films ever made. Mothra has survived the creation of more current scary creatures such as giant apes, extraterrestrial beings and swamp creatures. More than 30 years after his creation, Mothra still lives.

• Mothra

• huge, giant

• beast, creatures

• Japan, Japanese

• Tokyo

To infer main idea, ask, "What are the sentences saying about the topic?" The answer is

Huge beasts such as the dinosaur have never really become extinct. Mothra, a giant caterpillar who later becomes a moth, destroys Tokyo, and stars in the 1962 Japanese film named for him. Mothra is born, dies, and reborn regularly on classic movie channels. In Japan, Mothra is one of the most popular films ever made. Mothra has survived the creation of more current scary creatures such as giant apes, extraterrestrial beings and swamp creatures. More than 30 years after his creation, Mothra still lives.

• many popular films have scary creatures.

• the character Mothra has had lasting appeal.

• dinosaurs have never really become extinct.

• Mothra is a giant moth.

• none of the above

To identify the topic, look for repetition. Which words are most repeated?

[1] Cats are affectionate, cute, and independent. [2] Unlike dogs, cats can stay alone if you go away on a trip. [3] They do not need to be walked and are easy to potty train. [4] _____, cats do not bark, so your neighbors will not have any noise to complain about.

• dogs

• trip

• cats

• easy

• noise

To infer main idea, ask, "What are the sentences saying about the topic?" The answer is

[1] Cats are affectionate, cute, and independent. [2] Unlike dogs, cats can stay alone if you go away on a trip. [3] They do not need to be walked and are easy to potty train. [4] _____, cats do not bark, so your neighbors will not have any noise to complain about.

• Cats are independent.

• Dogs require a lot of work.

• Cats make great pets.

• Pets are hard work.

• none of the above

In sentence 4, identify the transition that would best fit the underlined section.

[1] Cats are affectionate, cute, and independent. [2] Unlike dogs, cats can stay alone if you go away on a trip. [3] They do not need to be walked and are easy to potty train. [4] _____, cats do not bark, so your neighbors will not have any noise to complain about.

• However

• Therefore

• Nevertheless

• Also

• Because

To identify the topic, look for repetition. Which words are most repeated?

[1] Doctors recommend we exercise at least two times a week. [2] Exercise does not necessarily need to be done in the gym; [3] it can consist of an outdoor walk or bike ride. [4] It not only controls weight, but it combats many health conditions and diseases. [5] _____ added benefit to exercise is its mood boosting qualities.

• doctors

• exercise

• walk

• health

• mood

To infer main idea, ask, "What are the sentences saying about the topic?" The answer is

[1] Doctors recommend we exercise at least two times a week. [2] Exercise does not necessarily need to be done in the gym; [3] it can consist of an outdoor walk or bike ride. [4] It not only controls weight, but it combats many health conditions and diseases. [5] _____ added benefit to exercise is its mood boosting qualities.

• Bike riding is good exercise.

• Exercise is important.

• Exercise can be done anywhere.

• Gyms are bad.

• none of the above

In sentence 5, identify the transition that would best fit the underlined section.

[1] Doctors recommend we exercise at least two times a week. [2] Exercise does not necessarily need to be done in the gym; [3] it can consist of an outdoor walk or bike ride. [4] It not only controls weight, but it combats many health conditions and diseases. [5] _____ added benefit to exercise is its mood boosting qualities.

• Another

• But

• Likewise

• Consequently

• Nonetheless

To identify the topic, look for repetition. Which words are repeated three or more times?

[1] Tea is the most popular beverage in China. [2] A Chinese saying identifies the seven basic daily necessities as fuel, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea. [3] According to Chinese legend, tea was invented accidentally by the Chinese Emperor Shen Nong in 2737 B.C. [4] China is one of the main producers of tea, and tea _____ is China’s national drink.

• tea

• China, Chinese

• emperor

• drink

• popular

Based on repeated words, phrases, and ideas, the topic is?

[1] Tea is the most popular beverage in China. [2] A Chinese saying identifies the seven basic daily necessities as fuel, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea. [3] According to Chinese legend, tea was invented accidentally by the Chinese Emperor Shen Nong in 2737 B.C. [4] China is one of the main producers of tea, and tea _____ is China’s national drink.

• popular drinks

• tea and China

• Chinese emperors

• basic daily necessities

• tea