What is the Central Idea?

I can't wait until this weekend! We’re going to my grandparents’ house and my entire family will be there. I will spend most of my time playing games with my cousins. We always have such a good time together! The day goes by so fast, and by the end we are all exhausted... but we still don’t want to leave!

The central idea of this passage is:

• A. Weekends are times to travel.

• B. The writer enjoys spending time with family.

• C. The writer’s grandparents live far away.

• D. The writer is sad to leave her cousins.

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2. Wilbur and Orville Wright were brothers who were inventors, even from a young age when they built kites and bicycles. Many people credit the Wright Brothers with designing and building the first successful airplane. In 1903, their first flight only lasted 12 seconds, but it continues to inspire people all over the world to learn about science and math, to work hard to realize their dreams, and to use imagination to achieve success.

The central idea of this passage is:

• A. The Wright Brothers worked hard.

• B. The Wright Brothers were inventors who have inspired many people.

• C. Inventors build kites and bicycles.

• D. The first flight was in 1903.

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3. I have a dog whose name is Paco. He is almost 10 years old. Paco is very loveable with a brown face and short black fur. He is one of my best friends. He plays with me, sleeps with me, and goes on walks with me. I am so glad to have him around. I love him.

The central idea of this passage is:

• A. The dog’s name is Paco.

• B. Everyone should have a dog.

• C. The writer's dog is an important part of his life.

• D. The dog is cute and sweet.

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4. Eric gripped the bat in his hands. His palms were sweaty but he took a deep breath as he stepped up to the plate. He had to score a run or his team would lose the game. When the pitcher threw a fastball, Eric’s reflexes took over and he heard the “Crack!” of the bat hitting the ball. His heart raced with

excitement as he ran to first base. He was safe!

The central idea of this passage is:

• A. Eric plays baseball.

• B. Eric scores a homerun.

• C. How to play baseball.

• D. Eric overcomes his nerves and makes it to first base.

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Homemade pizza is delicious. First, make the dough from flour, water, and yeast. After that, begin making the tomato sauce. Next, add any vegetables you like. Then, bake it in the oven. After a short time, the kitchen begins to smell delicious. Soon, it’s ready to eat!

The central idea of this passage is:

• a. Pizza is made from flour

• b. How to make homemade pizza

• c. Pizza is easy to make

• d. Pizza makes the kitchen smell delicious

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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!

The central idea of this passage is:

• a. Sometimes people feel sad

• b. You should do good things for others

• c. We’re not always happy

• d. There are many ways to make yourself feel better

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Did you know that giraffes are the tallest animals in the world? They are unique in other ways, too. For one thing, they sleep only about 20 minutes each day, and usually not more than five minutes at a time. (They have to remain alert for predators.) Also, every giraffe’s coat is unique, and varies in color from white to nearly black, depending on what they eat and where they live.

The central idea of this passage is:

• a. Giraffes don’t sleep very much.

• b. Giraffes are unique animals.

• c. There are many animals in the world.

• d. No animal is taller than a giraffe.

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Hurricanes are large, intense storms that begin over the ocean, where they gather heat and energy from the water. Hurricanes move slowly toward land, usually moving 10-20 miles per hour for more than one week. The most dangerous part of the hurricane is the storm surge, when it reaches land and causes flooding. Wind and waves also contribute to the damage caused by these surges.

The central idea of this passage is:

• a. Hurricanes are dangerous storms.

• b. Hurricanes begin over the ocean.

• c. One type of storm is called a hurricane.

• d. Hurricanes are different from other storms.

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