Analyzing Central Ideas in Texts

Read the following excerpt from an informational text: "Many cities are investing in public transportation to reduce traffic congestion. For example, New York City has expanded its subway lines, and Los Angeles has added more bus routes. These improvements make it easier for people to travel without cars, which helps decrease pollution and traffic jams." Which central idea is most supported by the details in the excerpt?

• Cities are increasing the number of cars on the road.

• Cities are improving public transportation to reduce traffic and pollution.

• People prefer to drive their own cars.

• Subway lines are more important than bus routes.

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CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

Two articles discuss the importance of recycling. Article 1 mentions that recycling reduces landfill waste, while Article 2 explains that recycling conserves natural resources. How do the supporting details in both articles contribute to the development of their central ideas?

• They show that recycling is expensive.

• They provide reasons why recycling is beneficial for the environment.

• They argue that recycling is unnecessary.

• They focus on the history of recycling.

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CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

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CCSS.RL.9-10.2

An informational text states: "Eating a balanced diet provides the body with essential nutrients. For instance, fruits and vegetables supply vitamins, while whole grains offer fiber." How do these supporting details help develop the central idea?

• By listing foods that taste good.

• By explaining how different foods contribute to a healthy diet.

• By describing how to cook meals.

• By comparing different diets.

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CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

After reading two articles about climate change, you notice that both use statistics about rising global temperatures. What is the purpose of these supporting details in both texts?

• To entertain the reader with interesting facts.

• To provide evidence that supports the central idea about climate change.

• To show that climate change is not real.

• To compare different types of weather.

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CCSS.RI.7.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.8.7

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

A text about the benefits of exercise includes the following supporting detail: "Regular physical activity can improve mood and reduce stress." How does this detail contribute to the central idea?

• It shows that exercise is only for athletes.

• It supports the idea that exercise has positive effects on mental health.

• It explains how to exercise safely.

• It describes the history of exercise.

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CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

Two informational texts discuss the impact of technology on education. One text provides examples of online learning platforms, while the other describes how technology helps students with disabilities. How do these supporting details help develop the central ideas in both texts?

• By showing that technology is harmful to students.

• By illustrating different ways technology improves education.

• By focusing only on traditional classrooms.

• By comparing different types of computers.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.7.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.8.7

A passage states: "Solar panels can lower electricity bills and reduce reliance on fossil fuels." Which central idea is best supported by these details?

• Solar panels are expensive to install.

• Solar panels provide both economic and environmental benefits.

• Fossil fuels are the only source of energy.

• Electricity bills are always high.

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CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

In an article about animal habitats, the author includes details about how deforestation affects both birds and mammals. How do these supporting details contribute to the development of the central idea?

• By showing that only birds are affected by deforestation.

• By explaining that deforestation impacts multiple types of animals.

• By describing how to plant trees.

• By focusing on animal diets.

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CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

A text about water conservation lists several methods, such as fixing leaks and using water-efficient appliances. How do these supporting details help develop the central idea?

• By providing specific actions people can take to conserve water.

• By explaining why water is not important.

• By describing the history of plumbing.

• By comparing different types of water.

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CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Two articles discuss the importance of sleep. One article provides scientific studies about sleep and memory, while the other shares personal stories about feeling rested. How do the supporting details in both articles contribute to the central ideas?

• By showing that sleep is not necessary.

• By offering different types of evidence to support the importance of sleep.

• By focusing only on dreams.

• By comparing sleep to exercise.

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CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.1