Central Idea, Text Structure, & Summarizing

What is the central idea of the passage?

Millions of acres of tropical rainforest have been destroyed. Many animals and people lose their homes when the rain forest is cut down. Today, people are destroying the forests so quickly that the animals are unable to adapt. Many of these animals, such as the leopard, need miles and miles of untouched rain forest in order to live. Furthermore, as more of the rainforest is destroyed, the risk of air pollution and loss of oxygen increases.

• Leopards are losing their homes

• The destruction of the rain forest is harming humans and animals.

• The destruction of the rain forest is an interesting subject

• Forests provide oxygen for humans and animals

What is the central idea of the passage?

Thomas Edison’s life span is known as “The age of Edison.” If it wasn’t for Thomas Edison, we might not have electric lights, telephones, movie cameras, or computers! Think of all the ways these great products affect our lives today. Edison held over 1,000 patents and received dozens of awards during his lifetime for his inventions and contributions to science.

• The light bulb was an important invention

• Thomas Edison was an important inventor

• Thomas Edison was an excellent student

• Creating inventions is a difficult process

What is the central idea of the passage?

In 1969, Apollo 11’s successful landing on the moon was seen on TV all around the world. At last, men had walked on the moon for the first time ever! Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin became famous American heroes. This mission was a great achievement for the U.S. space program, and led to six more Apollo flights in the years to come. The mission's success also led to further deep space explorations by the United States and other countries around the world.

• Apollo 11’s landing was an important moment in history

• Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin are heroes

• People were surprised about Apollo 11's success

• Millions watched the Apollo 11 moon landing

Depression is a common illness that is easy to treat. Unfortunately, many people don't take their symptoms seriously and don't talk to their doctors about their problems. They don't know that depression has a physical cause; it is not a sign of weakness or a mood that will just go away.

Which of the following details would best support the main idea of this passage?

• Jorge doesn't feel like himself anymore.
• Girls are more likely to suffer from depression than boys.
• Depression often runs in families.
• Many people try to hide their depression and avoid getting help.

Did you know that not all deserts are

hot? Both hot and cold deserts are very

dry, but unlike hot deserts, cold deserts have long

winters when the temperatures can reach below

freezing. Cold deserts also get a great deal of

snow, which is certainly not true for hot deserts.

• compare and contrast

• problem and solution

• description

• sequence/chronological

No one knows exactly what causes tornados, but some scientists believe that when warm air meets cold air, a tornado may form. The reason for this is that the warm air is lighter than the cold air, so it rises up fast and meets different winds moving different directions. Under the right conditions, this can cause a tornado. Though there is still much mystery surrounding tornados, many people believe that when warm moist air meets cool dry air, tornados can result.

• problem & solution

• cause & effect

• compare & contrast

• sequence/chronological

This morning was crazy. My alarm clock was set for PM instead of AM, so I woke up really late. I just threw on some clothes and ran out the door. I rode my bike as fast as I could and thought that I was going to be late for sure, but when I got there everyone was outside and there were firetrucks all lined up in front of school. I guess somebody pulled the fire alarm before class started. It worked out though, because nobody really noticed or minded that I was tardy.

• Sequence/Chronological

• Cause and Effect

• Problem and Solution

• Compare and Contrast

Scenario:

"Ms. Aden really wanted to go to a concert, but the only problem was that her car was in the shop. Ms. Aden lived 10 minutes from the metro. Because of this, she was able to go to the concert!"

What text structure is being used in this scenario?

• Compare and Contrast

• Sequence/Chronological

• Problem and Solution

• Cause and Effect

Ray forgot to charge his iPad. As a result, his iPad was dead the next day. 
What is the Cause? What is the Effect? 

• Cause: Ray's iPad was dead.
  Effect: Ray forgot to charge his iPad.
• Cause: Ray forgot to charge his iPad.
  Effect: Ray's iPad was dead.

• Cause-Effect
• Description
• Problem-Solution
• Sequence