Main Idea

The main idea of a text is . . .

• what the text is a little bit about

• what the text is never about

• what the text is sometimes telling you

• what the text is mostly or mainly about

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

One the most popular musical instruments is the piano. In the traditional musical instrument classification system of string, woodwind, percussion and brass, the piano falls into two categories. It is considered a string instrument because the sound comes from the strings inside the piano. It is also considered a percussion instrument, since the player strikes the keyboard, which signals an internal hammer to strike the strings.

What is the author's main idea?

• The piano is both a string and percussion instrument

• The piano is a string instrument

• The piano is a popular instrument

• The strings of a piano makes the sound.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

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?

• It is also fun to look for shells.

• Some people simply like to sunbathe.

• There are many fun things to do at the beach.

• Going to the beach to swim can be fun

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

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?

• Weather reporters need to know where the cold air is

• Pictures help weather reporters get information out in a fast way.

• 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.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

The earth's surface is constantly changing. All over the world everyday there are earthquakes, floods and volcanoes that quickly change our world. Some changes are too small to see. Others cause tremendous damage and costs millions of dollars to clean up.

What is the main idea?

• It is expensive to clean up the damage

• There are earthquakes every day.

• The Earth's surface is always changing

• Sometimes people can't see the changes.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

Have you ever wondered where chalk comes from? Tiny animals called foraminifera live in the sea. Each of these small living animals makes a tiny shell out of lime. When they die, their shells remain. With time, these shells become layers of white rock which we call chalk. Chalk is often found in places that were once underwater.

What is the main idea?

• Real chalk is made by a small sea animal

• Chalk is soft stone that is used on blackboards

• Chalk is found in the ocean

• When snails die their shells become chalk.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

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.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

Were you born after 1985? If so, how long do you expect to live? Most people born after 1985 can expect to live more than 70 years. Of course, this is just a guess based on past records. By the way, females can expect to live about six years longer than males. That’s taken from past records too!

What is the main idea?

• about the health of females

• how long you might expect to live

• why people live to be 70

• tells that people live to be 100

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

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.

What is the main idea?

• Sometimes clowns can mean serious business

• Rodeo clowns protect cowboys by putting themselves in danger.

• Cowboys and Rodeo clowns are constantly in danger.

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

The range of a bird refers to the area over which it flies. some birds are able to fly great distances, and range over almost the whole world. Other birds have a very small range. they travel over areas smaller than one hundred miles.

What is the main idea?

• Little birds travel less than big birds

• Where to find a bird range

• Why birds like to travel

• How bird ranges differ.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.8.2