Main Idea Quiz from Illuminate

Read the paragraph from "A Big Responsibility".

Since she was six years old, Kate had wanted a dog.  When her eleventh birthday came and she finally received a puppy with a shiny coat and a blue bow around his neck, she was not able to juggle the responsibilities that came with owning a dog.  By this time, schoolwork and sports had taken up most of her time.  It was not because she did not like Samuel.  His brown eyes and the warm expression he made when she petted him made her happy.

What is the main idea of the paragraph?

• Kate had an extremely busy school and sport schedule as an eleven year old.

• Kate waited patiently for her golden retriever puppy.

• Even though Kate got her dream puppy, she did not have the time to care for him.

• Samuel made Kate's family happy because he brought joy to the home.

It Could Save Your Life

Look around you. There is probably one in the room where you are sitting. A red canister in a corner probably covered with dust. It is a bright spot of color in the room. It may seem useless. But, it could save your life!

Fire extinguishers are made to remove one of three things present in a fire: intense heat, oxygen (or some other gas), or fuel. They are made of metal and filled with water. If it is not water, an extinguisher is filled with something that suffocates fire, like foam. This material is forced out of the extinguisher like spray from a can. A special valve keeps the gas from escaping from the extinguisher until the lever at the top is pressed.

You may have an extinguisher at home that is not filled with water. It is essential that you have it inspected every six years. Sometimes the gauge says the extinguisher has the right pressure and will work properly. But, the gauge could be incorrect. That is why an inspection is important.

If you ever need to use an extinguisher, remember to aim the spray of water or foam at the source of the fire. Move the can in a back–and–forth motion, like you are sweeping. Do not use a water–filled extinguisher for putting out electrical fires. Use it for putting out wood or paper fires only. Most fire extinguishers only have a small amount of substance in them. It can be used up in seconds. So, extinguishers are best for small fires that have not spread. For large or fast–spreading fires, call 9–1–1 and go to a safe place.

Choose two sentences that best identify the main ideas presented in the text.

• 
  Fire extinguishers should be in every room.

• Fast spreading fires should be avoided.

• Inspecting and using a fire extinguisher could save your life.

• You should know which situations need a fire extinguisher.

• Having a safe place to go to during a fire is important.

Which sentence BEST shows the main idea of the text.

(1)The Westminster Dog Show is one of the oldest and continuous dog events in the United States. (2)The idea began in an area located in the Westminster Hotel that once existed in New York City. (3)The Westminster Dog Show began with the establishment of the Westminster Kennel Club. (4)Sportsmen who owned hunting dogs formed the club. (5)They wanted to promote the admirable qualities of the Pointer and Setter dog breeds. (6)After seeing the popularity of dog shows in England, they decided to start a show in the United States. (7)In 1877, the Westminster Kennel Club held its first dog show called "The First Annual New York Bench Show of Dogs."

• Sentence 1

• Sentence 3

• Sentence 4

• Sentence 6

• Sentence 7