Understanding Main Ideas and Summaries

Read the following passage: *"The Amazon rainforest is often called the 'lungs of the Earth.' It produces about 20% of the world's oxygen and is home to millions of plant and animal species. The forest also plays a key role in regulating the global climate by absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide."* What is the main idea of this passage?

• The Amazon rainforest is home to many animals.

• The Amazon rainforest is important to the Earth's environment and climate.

• The Amazon rainforest produces carbon dioxide.

• The Amazon rainforest is located in South America.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

Read the following passage: *"Wolves are social animals that live in groups called packs. A pack is usually led by two wolves known as the alpha male and alpha female. The other members of the pack follow the leaders and work together to hunt prey and raise young wolves called pups."* Which sentence best states the main idea of this passage?

• Wolves are dangerous animals that hunt in groups.

• Wolves live in packs that are led by alpha wolves and work together as a team.

• Young wolves are called pups and are raised by the pack.

• Alpha wolves are the strongest animals in the forest.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

Read the following passage: *"The water cycle is a continuous process. Water evaporates from oceans, lakes, and rivers when the sun heats it. The water vapor rises into the atmosphere, cools, and forms clouds. Eventually, the water falls back to Earth as precipitation, such as rain or snow, and the cycle begins again."* What is the main idea of this passage?

• Rain and snow are forms of precipitation.

• The sun heats water in oceans and lakes.

• The water cycle is a continuous process that moves water through the environment.

• Clouds are formed when water vapor cools in the atmosphere.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Read the following passage: *"Recycling helps protect the environment in many ways. When people recycle paper, plastic, and glass, fewer natural resources need to be used. Recycling also reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and lowers pollution levels. Many communities have made recycling programs available to encourage people to participate."* Which of the following best summarizes this passage?

• Recycling is only useful for reducing paper waste.

• Communities should build more landfills to handle waste.

• Recycling conserves natural resources, reduces landfill waste, and lowers pollution.

• Pollution is caused by too many people using plastic products.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Read the following passage: *"The Great Wall of China was built over many centuries by different Chinese rulers. It stretches thousands of miles across northern China. The wall was originally built to protect China from invasions by northern tribes. Today, it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world."* Which sentence best summarizes this passage?

• The Great Wall of China was built in one year by a single emperor.

• The Great Wall of China is a historic structure built for protection and is now a major tourist site.

• Northern tribes built the Great Wall of China to protect their land.

• The Great Wall of China is located in southern China.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

Read the following passage: *"Bees are essential to the environment because they pollinate flowers and crops. Without bees, many plants would not be able to reproduce. This would lead to a decrease in fruits, vegetables, and other plants that humans and animals depend on for food. Scientists are concerned because bee populations around the world have been declining in recent years."* What is the main idea of this passage?

• Bees make honey that humans enjoy eating.

• Scientists study bees in laboratories around the world.

• Bees are vital to the environment, and their declining populations are a serious concern.

• Flowers need sunlight and water to grow properly.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

Read the following passage: *"Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world, standing at about 29,032 feet above sea level. It is located in the Himalayas on the border between Nepal and Tibet. Thousands of climbers have attempted to reach its summit, but only a fraction have succeeded. The extreme cold, high altitude, and unpredictable weather make it one of the most dangerous climbs in the world."* Which of the following best summarizes this passage?

• Mount Everest is a beautiful mountain that many tourists visit each year.

• Mount Everest is the world's tallest mountain and is known for being extremely dangerous to climb.

• Most climbers who attempt to climb Mount Everest are successful.

• The Himalayas are a mountain range located entirely in Nepal.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RI.5.9

Read the following passage: *"Solar energy is becoming an increasingly popular source of power. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which can be used to power homes and businesses. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy does not produce harmful emissions. Although solar panels can be expensive to install, they save money on electricity bills over time and are better for the environment."* Based on the passage, what inference can be made about why more people are choosing solar energy?

• Solar energy is the only source of electricity available today.

• People prefer solar energy because it is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run.

• Solar panels are cheap to install and require no maintenance.

• Fossil fuels are no longer available in most parts of the world.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.5.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

Read the following passage: *"In the 1800s, many people traveled west across the United States in covered wagons. The journey was long and dangerous, often taking several months. Travelers faced harsh weather, rough terrain, and the risk of disease. Despite these hardships, thousands of families made the journey in hopes of finding better land and new opportunities."* What inference can be made about the people who traveled west in covered wagons?

• They were forced to travel west by the government.

• They were wealthy people looking for adventure.

• They were determined and willing to endure great hardship for the chance of a better life.

• They had no knowledge of the dangers they would face on the journey.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.5.1

CCSS.RL.5.1

Read the following passage: *"Deforestation is the large-scale removal of forests, often to make room for agriculture or urban development. When forests are cleared, the animals that live there lose their habitats and may face extinction. Deforestation also contributes to climate change because trees absorb carbon dioxide. In recent years, many environmental organizations have been working to slow deforestation by planting new trees and encouraging governments to protect existing forests."* Using evidence from the passage, what inference can be made about the long-term effects of deforestation if it is not stopped?

• Deforestation will lead to more rainfall and better farming conditions.

• Deforestation will have little impact on the environment because new trees grow quickly.

• Continued deforestation could lead to increased extinction of species and worsening climate change.

• Deforestation only affects the animals that live in forests and has no impact on humans.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2