Central Ideas in Literature 8th grade

Shania's Bird Feeder

On the day of the exhibition, Shania's mother saw the bird feeder and was astonished at how her daughter had built a feeder without any help. She felt proud when she noticed other people were also impressed with Shania's bird feeder. Shania's feeder won first prize not only because it looked good, but also because she had used recyclable materials to build it.

Which statement best describes a central idea?

• Mom feels shocked that Shania's project is the best.

• Mom feels sure that Shania's bird feeder would win first place.

• Mom feels content and hangs Shania's bird feeder in the yard.

• Mom feels pleased that Shania is clever and skillful.

The Dance Competition

Eugene was a formally trained dancer and participated in several solo dance competitions. He often won prizes and was very popular at his school for his dance performances. When the inter-school dance competition was announced, it was obvious to everyone at school that Eugene would not only participate, but also win the competition.

The rules of the competition were announced later. Students realized that each school would be represented by only one group, and they had three weeks to practice for the tryouts.

After the tryouts, Ms. Spinnet selected Eugene, Brianna, Brandon, and Ria to form a group. All four of them looked forward to the rehearsals. Ms. Spinnet told them that the rehearsals were going to be challenging, and that they should not miss even a single rehearsal.

Once the rehearsals began, Eugene noticed that the other three dancers took a long time to learn the same moves that he had mastered in a couple of tries. Eugene decided that he was wasting his time attending the rehearsals, so he told the others to practice without him.

Brianna, Brandon, and Ria did not like Eugene's behavior, but since there was little time left before the final competition, the three of them practiced hard, while Eugene joined them occasionally.

A week before the competition, Ms. Spinnet wanted to watch a dress rehearsal to see how the dancers would perform as a group. As soon as the dancers started, she noticed that there was no coordination in their moves. It became evident to her that the group had not practiced together very well.

Once Ms. Spinnet became aware of the reason for their poor performance, she reminded Eugene sternly that there was no room for individual pride in a group. If the group wanted to win the competition, they had to treat everyone in the group as equals.

Eugene realized his mistake and asked Brianna, Brandon, and Ria to forgive him.

"We still have a week to practice. If we work hard, I'm sure we will be able to do our best at the competition," said Brianna.

The group practiced hard and participated in the dance competition, but they did not win first prize. They came in second place, but were still ecstatic because they had perfected the dance moves within a week's time and at the same time, they learned the value of working together.

Which statement best supports the central idea of the passage?

• Eugene wins a lot of dance competitions because he is a hardworking dancer.

• Eugene is selected for the competition because he is very popular in school.

• Eugene realizes that his decision to not attend rehearsals is wrong, so he apologizes to his team members and tries to make amends.

• Eugene notices that the others in his group find the rehearsals challenging, so he decides to help them by training them from time to time.

Carter's Grandparents

Carter opened the door and entered the silent house. His entire family had persuaded his hardworking grandparents to take a much-needed break. Carter had promised his grandmother that he would water her precious plants during her absence. He looked around at the familiar surroundings and smiled fondly, remembering all the fun he and his cousins had had there during their childhood. Carter thought that it would be a nice surprise for his grandmother if she found some beautiful flowers in her garden when she came back from the trip because he knew she loved flowers. He watered the plants in the garden and returned home.

What is the central idea?

• Carter wants to do something special for his grandmother to show his love and affection for her.

• Carter promises to look after his grandmothers' plants during her absence.

• Carter has fond memories of his grandparents' house and likes to spend his time there.

• Carter's grandparents take a break from their daily routine by going on a trip.

Beautiful Stories from Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice)

by E. Nesbit

Bassanio found, as he had told Antonio, that the rumor of her wealth and beauty had drawn to her suitors from far and near. But to all of them Portia had but one reply. She would only accept that suitor who would pledge himself to abide by the terms of her father's will, which were conditions that frightened away many an ardent wooer. For he who would win Portia's heart and hand, had to guess which of three caskets held her portrait. If he guessed right, then Portia would be his bride; if wrong, then he was bound by oath never to reveal which casket he chose, never to marry, and to go away at once.

The caskets were of gold, silver, and lead, and the gold one bore this inscription:—"Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire;" the silver one had this:—"Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves;" while on the lead one were these words:—"Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath." The Prince of Morocco was among the first to submit to this test. He chose the gold casket, for he said neither base lead nor silver could contain her picture, but he failed the test.

After him came the haughty Prince of Arragon, and saying, "Let me have what I deserve—surely I deserve the lady," he chose the silver one, and found nothing inside. "Did I deserve no more than nothing?" he cried.

Then at last came Bassanio, and Portia would have delayed him from making his choice from very fear of his choosing wrong. For she loved him dearly, even as he loved her. "But," said Bassanio, "let me choose at once, for, as I am, I live upon the rack."

Then Portia bade her servants to bring music and play while Bassanio made his choice. And Bassanio took the oath and walked up to the chests—the musicians playing softly the while. "Mere outward show," he said, "is to be despised. The world is still deceived with ornament, and so no gaudy gold or shining silver for me. I choose the lead casket; joy be the consequence!" And opening it, he found fair Portia's portrait inside, and he turned to her and asked if it were true that she was his.

Which statement best expresses a central idea of the passage?

• Portia thinks that she can delay the ceremony so that Bassanio can make the right choice.

• Bassanio chooses the least fancy casket in an attempt to win Portia's hand in marriage.

• Three suitors choose from three caskets in hopes of winning Portia's hand in marriage.

• The other suitors' haughtiness and arrogance lead them to their failure.

Today is a Beautiful Day

Walter and Macey were in high spirits because, after months of anticipation, Dad was finally taking them on a visit to the Grand Canyon National Park. Walter had gathered a lot of information about the Grand Canyon, and he could not wait to experience the thrill of seeing the natural wonder.

On the day of the trip, Walter woke up early and helped Mom pack their lunch. The weather was perfect as they set off in the family sedan with Dad at the wheel. But, barely fifteen minutes into their journey, the old car sputtered and ground to a halt. Dad could not detect what the problem was, so he called his regular mechanic, Mr. Jones. Finally, Mr. Jones arrived at the spot and started inspecting the car. It took him a little under three hours to fix the problem, and by then it was too late to go the Grand Canyon and get back home the same day. They decided to cancel the trip.

What is the central idea at the beginning of the passage?

• Walter feels that spending time at home is better than wasting the whole day at the local park.

• Walter gathers information about the place he was going to visit and makes preparations for it.

• Walter understands the value of family and realizes that it is the company that matters and not the place.

• Walter decides to accompany his family to the park when he realizes that he should spend more time with them.

Beautiful Stories from Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice)

by E. Nesbit

Bassanio found, as he had told Antonio, that the rumor of her wealth and beauty had drawn to her suitors from far and near. But to all of them Portia had but one reply. She would only accept that suitor who would pledge himself to abide by the terms of her father's will, which were conditions that frightened away many an ardent wooer. For he who would win Portia's heart and hand, had to guess which of three caskets held her portrait. If he guessed right, then Portia would be his bride; if wrong, then he was bound by oath never to reveal which casket he chose, never to marry, and to go away at once.

Which statement best expresses a central idea in the beginning of the passage?

• Portia's father wants her to marry someone who is rich.

• Portia's father ensures Portia marries the right person by having the suitors undergo a test.

• Portia's father creates marriage terms so that Portia has more suitors to choose from.

• Portia's father tests the obedience of his only daughter.

The Antique Store

Greg waited impatiently in his antique store for his granddaughters, Brooke and Olivia, to arrive. His granddaughters were visiting his store for the first time. All his life, Greg had collected and cherished antique objects. Now, after all these years, he had decided to turn his hobby into a profession.

Greg planned to open his antique store for the public next week; however, he was not happy with the display of his most treasured possession, an antique box from China. Even though the box was beautiful, the way it was displayed did not make him happy.

Greg's face brightened when the bell at the door chimed as Olivia and Brooke entered the store. He welcomed and hugged them and started showing them the antique objects on display. He kept the Chinese box for last.

Which statement best supports the central idea of the last paragraph?

• Olivia and Brooke assure Greg that the shop looks wonderful because of the box.

• Greg happily welcomes Olivia and Brooke and shows them his prized possessions.

• Olivia and Brooke wait for their grandfather to return to the room.

• Greg proudly looks at his treasured box and claims it looks perfect.

Natalie's Mission

One day, Hadley wanted some details from Natalie before he signed a legal document to finalize a deal with the client, but Natalie was unavailable. She did not own a laptop–by choice–and her phone had run out of battery. Therefore, the deal did not go through that day and was rescheduled for a later date. Resigning from her job would have been the simple stand the easiest thing to do, but she did not want to leave in disgrace. One evening after work, Natalie visited her cousin Roberta and requested her help searching for a laptop and the latest smartphone. For a week, Natalie slowly went through each feature on the devices and was surprised that even phones had many functions other than the basic calling feature.

Natalie was a quick learner, and soon she learned how to use her phone and laptop efficiently. A few months later, when the client deal was finally signed, no reward or promotion could have made Natalie happier than seeing the newfound respect that Hadley had for her.

Which statement best expresses a central idea in the last paragraph of the passage?

• A. Natalie understands the importance of coworkers.

• B. Natalie knows that getting a promotion helps gain respect.

• C. Natalie realizes she should always buy the latest devices.

• D. Natalie proves that determination helps a person to succeed in life.

The Book Reading

Casey woke up, looked at the clock, and rushed to Ren's bedside.

"Wake up, Ren! We need to hurry, or we'll be late for the book reading," she cried out asshe shook Ren's legs vigorously. Ren, Casey's twin sister, got out of bed reluctantly. Casey'sexcitement irritated Ren as Ren did not like to be woken up earlier than usual for any reason.Moreover, she did not share Casey's passion for literature.

They ate a hurried breakfast and then walked to the bus stop. On the bus, Casey talked non-stop while Ren tried unsuccessfully to catch up on her sleep. Casey said she was thrilled at having the opportunity to meet and speak with her favorite author, Pamela Jones, and to hear her read excerpts from her newly released book. Ren wondered how Casey could be excited about hearing someone read from a book.

Which sentence best describes the central idea?

• Ren dismisses other people's choice of leisure activities.

• Ren relishes sleep and does not like to wake up early.

• Casey is always in a hurry to arrive on time.

• Casey is eagerly looking forward to the book reading session.

Today is a Beautiful Day

Walter and Macey were in high spirits because, after months of anticipation, Dad was finally taking them on a visit to the Grand Canyon National Park. Walter had gathered a lot of information about the Grand Canyon, and he could not wait to experience the thrill of seeing the natural wonder.

On the day of the trip, Walter woke up early and helped Mom pack their lunch. The weather was perfect as they set off in the family sedan with Dad at the wheel. But, barely fifteen minutes into their journey, the old car sputtered and ground to a halt. Dad could not detect what the problem was, so he called his regular mechanic, Mr. Jones. Finally, Mr. Jones arrived at the spot and started inspecting the car. It took him a little under three hours to fix the problem, and by then it was too late to go the Grand Canyon and get back home the same day. They decided to cancel the trip.

Dad noticed the disappointed look on Walter's face. He told Walter that they could instead spend the day at a local park that was just a few minutes' drive from their current location.

When Walter insisted they head back home, Dad said, "I know how much you were looking forward to this trip. This is a big disappointment, but son, things don't always turn out the way we expect. Let's make the best of today. It's still a beautiful day!" Walter reluctantly gave in to Dad's suggestion, and they headed for the park.

They chose a spot sheltered from the sun and settled down. Mom unwrapped the sandwiches that they had brought and handed them over to Walter and Macey. After finishing his sandwich, Walter got up and walked about. He had been to this park several times in the past, but he noticed that it looked different today. There were only a few people there at that early hour. Walter sat by the pond and watched the ducks swim. As their serene figures waddled in the pond, Walter felt his mood lighten. Later in the evening, Walter and Dad sat on a bench and watched the sun disappear behind the mountains. As they drove back home, Walter recalled Dad's words: "Let's make the best of today." He felt happy that they had done just that.

What is the central idea of the passage?

• Walter goes to the park with his family because he does not want to hurt his dad's feelings.

• Walter realizes that one can overcome a disappointment by making the best of the situation.

• Walter realizes that it requires honesty and mutual understanding to build a relationship.

• Walter sits near the pond in the park and feels relaxed as he watches the ducks swim.