Main Idea

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

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 main point?

• 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.

Soccer is known in some countries as football. It is a popular sport across the world, with over 200 countries playing the sport. It is estimated that over 250 million people, both men and women, play soccer. The sport has been part of the Olympic games from 1900 to 1928 and from 1936 to today.
 What is the main idea?

• Soccer is important at the Olympics.
• Soccer is a worldwide sport.
• Soccer is also called football.
• Soccer is played by men and women.

As usual, Jim left for school 10 minutes later than he should have. His shoelaces were untied and his backpack was unzipped. he had traveled only one block when he heard his mother shout out his name. He looked back and saw her waving his brown bag lunch. What can you infer from this passage?

• Jim is disorganized and forgetful.
• Jim is in the 4th grade.
• Jim takes the bus to school.

Based on the photo, it could be inferred that the woman is...

• A. annoyed
• B. worried
• C. nervous
• D. confused

Joseph wanted to buy some candy at the store, but he forgot his money at home. What do you think will happen next?

• He hopes that he will find money on the floor.
• He asks the candy seller to give him the candy and promise to bring the money the following day.
• He goes back home to get his money and buys the candy.
• Make a sad face maybe someone buys him candy.

Floods can cause tremendous damage.  They can ruin houses, roads and buildings. Floods can take down trees and cause mudslides. It often leaves mud, sand and debris behind.  It can take months to clean up after a flood.
 What is the main idea?

• Floods can cause a lot of damage.
• Floods cause mudslides.
• Floods damage houses and roads. 

Jenny jumped out of bed, looked out the ?window, and gasped. What can you ?reasonable infer from this sentence?

• There was a thunder storm outside.
• It was time for school.
• She was looking for her phone.

Right now Jason was playing right field. He really wanted to play third base. Earlier this year, coach had put him in left field and second base in a game, but never at third base. Once in practice, coach let him play third base, but he kept missing ground balls. When he did stop one, he made a bad throw to first base. Maybe if he kept practicing, Jason would be good enough to play third base. That was his dream.
The Summary of this passage is:

• Jason really wanted to play third base.
• Jason was the best player on his team.
• Jason had trouble catching ground balls.
• Jason was too lazy to practice.

What is the difference between topic and main idea? (main idea)

• Topic and main idea are the same thing. 
• Topic is what the text is about; the main idea is what the author wants to tell you about the subject. 
• Topic is the category and main idea is where it was written
• The main idea is the subject of a text; the topic is what the author wants to tell you about the main idea