Free Printable Main Idea (Kecman)

1.

I can't wait until this weekend! We’re going to my grandparents’ house and my entire family will be there. I will spend most of my time playing games with my cousins. We always have such a good time together! The day goes by so fast, and by the end we are all exhausted... but we still don’t want to leave!
What is the main idea?

a)

Weekends are times to travel.

b)

The author enjoys spending time with her family.

c)

The author's grandparents live far away.

d)

The author is sad to leave her cousins.

2.

Someday we will all have robots that will be our personal servants. They will look and behave much like real humans. We will be able to talk to these mechanical helpers and they will be able to respond in kind! Amazingly, the robots of the future will be able to learn from experience. They will be smart, strong, and untiring workers whose only goal will be to make our lives easier.
What is this selection mainly about?

a)

Someday we will have robots that will be our personal servants.

b)

We will be able to talk to robots and they will be able to respond.

c)

Robots will be untiring workers.

d)

Amazingly, the robots of the future will be able to learn from experience.

3.

Toy cars and trucks were lying all over the floor. Ben had dumped his entire toy box in the middle of his room looking for his favorite blue car. His Uncle Lonnie had given it to him for his birthday. Uncle Lonnie was coming for a visit, and Ben wanted them to play together with it. Ben looked for about an hour and could not find the car. When his mother called him, he stepped on something hard. It was his blue car.
What is the main idea or main event of the passage?

a)

Ben had many toys and trucks

b)

Uncle Lonnie gave Ben a blue car

c)

Ben dumped his entire toy box in the middle of the floor

d)

Ben found the blue car his Uncle Lonnie gave him by stepping on it

4.

Students sat in the cafeteria talking loudly. It was lunch time at Green Elementary, and the lunch room was full. The noise and the smell of grilled cheese filled the air. In the corner sat Rudy and Jacob. They were making their daily lunch trades.
"I'll give you my cheese crackers for your pretzels," said Jacob.
"Okay, I'll give you my vanilla pudding for your sugar cookies," said Rudy.
"Deal!" said Jacob.
What is the main idea or main event of the passage?

a)

Jacob and Rudy trade food at lunch

b)

Rudy wanted Jacob's sugar cookies

c)

Jacob had cheese crackers and wanted pretzels

d)

Students were talking loudly during lunch at Green Elementary

5.

Melanie hated her green room, and she had asked her mother a hundred times if she could paint it purple. Melanie and her mother worked all afternoon rolling the paint on the wall. Since Melanie was only in the third grade, she was feeling very special because her mother was letting her help. When they were finished, they sat on the floor and had a snack.
"Are you happy with the purple?" asked Mother.
"Yes. And I even like it more because I was able to help paint it," said Melanie.
What is the main idea or main event of the passage?

a)

Melanie hated green

b)

Melanie and her mother painted all afternoon

c)

Melanie liked the purple room she helped paint

d)

They had a snack on the floor when they were finished

6.

Snow was falling again. Every puzzle was put together, every book was read, and the refrigerator was covered in artwork. Buddy and William were bored. They couldn't go out and play in the snow because they were both sick. Even though school might be canceled tomorrow, they were ready to go back to school.
What is the main idea or main event of the passage?

a)

they were sick

b)

it was snowing again

c)

they were bored and ready to go back to school

d)

the refrigerator was covered in artwork, and the puzzles were put together

7.

Scissors, glue, and construction paper covered the desks of every student in the classroom. Mrs. Brown was getting ready to hand out heart-shaped candies. Students were talking softly as they cut out hearts and coloured with markers and crayons. In just 10 minutes they would start their Valentine's Day party.
What is the main idea or main event of the passage?

a)

Mrs. Brown had heart shaped candy

b)

Mrs. Brown's class was getting ready for a Valentine's Day party

c)

Scissors, glue, and construction paper were on the desks in the classroom

d)

All of the students were making Valentine's Day cards for their friends

8.

Many people have not heard giraffes make noises. Giraffes do not use sounds to “talk” with each other. When hurt, giraffes make a low moo, something like a cow. When frightened, they make a short, high sound.
What is the main idea?

a)

Giraffes do make noises

b)

Giraffes talk all the time.

c)

Cows and giraffes talk to each other.

d)

Lots of people have heard giraffes talk.

9.

Mary has a new pet. Her pet is a baby kitten. It is soft and cuddly. The kitten likes to sleep a lot. Mary put a soft blanket in a box for its bed. Mary plays with her kitten when it is awake. She never forgets to feed her kitten.
What is the main idea?

a)

The kitten sleeps a lot.

b)

Mary plays with her kitten

c)

Mary’s new pet is a kitten.

d)

Mary want a new pet.

10.

Tom started to reel in his line. The fish tugged and pulled hard. Judging by the weight of his catch, this fish could feed his family for three days. Tom struggled to stay in the boat and not be pulled over the side. Finally his catch came into view. He had snagged a snapping turtle!
What is the main idea?

a)

Tom finds enough food for his family.

b)

Tom gets pulled out of his boat by a huge fish.

c)

Tom didn't catch anything.

d)

Tom catches a snapping turtle while fishing.

11.

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?

a)

Floods can cause a lot of damage.

b)

Floods cause mudslides.

c)

Floods damage houses and roads.

12.

Yesterday was my birthday. When I woke up, I noticed my brother Josh hung up a big sign that said,"Happy Birthday, Charles!" Mom made spaghetti for dinner.
It's my favorite food in the whole world. My friend Dave came over and handed me a wrapped gift. I wondered what it was. It was a new basketball! I had a great day.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?

a)

Josh got lots of gifts.

b)

Charles got a lot of gifts.

c)

Charles had a great birthday.

d)

Josh had a great birthday.

13.

There are many fun things to do at the beach. Swimming is one thing that can be done at the beach. Snorkeling is another thing that can be enjoyed. Playing beach volleyball can be a lot of fun. It is also fun to look for shells. Some people simply like to sunbathe.
What is the main idea?

a)

There are many fun things to do at the beach.

b)

It is also fun to look for shells.

c)

Some people simply like to sunbathe.

d)

Going to the beach to swim can be fun.

14.

I can't wait until this weekend! We’re going to my grandparents’ house and my entire family will be there. I will spend most of my time playing games with my cousins. We always have such a good time together! The day goes by so fast, and by the end we are all exhausted... but we still don’t want to leave!
What is the main idea?

a)

Weekends are times to travel.

b)

The author enjoys spending time with her family.

c)

The author's grandparents live far away.

d)

The author is sad to leave her cousins.

15.

If you are feeling sad, you can make yourself feel better by doing a few simple things. You can take a walk (or get another form of exercise), you can talk to a friend, or you can write down your feelings. Writing down the good things in your life will help too. Doing something good for someone else will also help you feel better. If you still feel a little sad, act happy. It works like magic to make you feel better!
What is the main idea?

a)

Sometimes people feel sad.

b)

You should do good things for others.

c)

We're not always happy.

d)

There are many ways to make yourself feel better.

16.

Mark wanted to be a great skater. But he didn't want to spend the hours practicing. He wished he could just do the tricks easily. Mark's dream was to have everyone stop and stare when he entered the skate park. He wanted them to say, "Mark is the best skater in the whole world."
What is the main idea?

a)

Mark wants everyone to think he's a great skater without doing the hard work.

b)

Mark practices very hard to become a great skater.

c)

Mark is the best skater at the park.

d)

Mark wants to learn how to skate so he can compete.

17.

Tom started to reel in his line. The fish tugged and pulled hard. Judging by the weight of his catch, this fish could feed his family for three days. Tom struggled to stay in the boat and not be pulled over the side. Finally his catch came into view. He had snagged a snapping turtle!
What is the main idea?

a)

Tom finds enough food for his family.

b)

Tom gets pulled out of his boat by a huge fish.

c)

Tom didn't catch anything.

d)

Tom catches a snapping turtle while fishing.

18.

Mary has a new pet. Her pet is a baby kitten. It is soft and cuddly. The kitten likes to sleep a lot. Mary put a soft blanket in a box for its bed. Mary plays with her kitten when it is awake. She never forgets to feed her kitten.
What is the main idea?

a)

The kitten sleeps a lot.

b)

Mary plays with her kitten

c)

Mary’s new pet is a kitten.

d)

Mary want a new pet.

19.

Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Brown are bakers. They work at a store called Bake Goods to Go. Mrs. Jones works nights. She bakes cakes, cookies, and pies. Mrs. Brown works in the daytime. She bakes bread and rolls. Both Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Brown are very good bakers.
What is the main idea?

a)

Mrs. Jones bakes pies.

b)

Mrs. Brown bakes rolls.

c)

Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Brown are bakers

d)

They work at a store called Bake Goods to Go.

20.

Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer. Soccer players learn how to dribble and pass the ball. They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score. Most importantly, soccer players learn how to work together with their teammates.
What is the main idea?

a)

They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score.

b)

Soccer players learn how to dribble.

c)

They learn how to work together as teammates.

d)

Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.

21.

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.

a)

Floods can cause a lot of damage.

b)

Floods cause mudslides.

c)

Floods damage houses and roads.

22.

The earth's surface is constantly changing. All over the world everyday there are earthquakes, floods and volcanoes that quickly change our world. Some changes are too small to see. Others cause tremendous damage and costs millions of dollars to clean up.

a)

It is expensive to clean up the damage

b)

Sometimes we can't see the changes.

c)

The Earth's surface is always changing.

23.

Scientists can measure the intensity of an earthquake. They use an instrument called the Richter scale. The Richter scale compares the strength of different earthquakes. Earthquakes below 2.0 usually can’t be felt. Earthquakes over 5.0 on the scale can cause damage. A magnitude 7.0 is a major earthquake and can cause tremendous damage.

a)

Scientists can measure the intensity of an earthquake.

b)

Strong earthquakes can cause lots of damage.

c)

Some earthquakes are very small.

24.

Earthquakes are caused when the plates of the Earth's crust move. Earthquakes happen along "fault lines" in the earth’s crust. When the plates in the Earth suddenly shift, the Earth will begin to shift, shake or tremble.

a)

Earthquakes occur on "fault lines."

b)

Earthquakes cause a lot of damage.

c)

Earthquakes are caused when the plates of the Earth's crust
move.

25.

Most of the world's volcanoes are part of the "The Ring of Fire." This is a ring of volcanoes that form a circle around the Pacific Ocean. Thousands of volcanoes make up "The Ring of Fire." These volcanoes formed the sea floor and many underwater mountains.

a)

There are thousands of volcanoes in the world.

b)

Most volcanoes are part of the "Ring of Fire."

c)

Some underwater mountains are volcanoes.

26.

Benjamin Franklin invented many things that made life easier in the late 1700’s. He invented the lightning rod that saved many homes from fires. He also invented the Franklin stove. The stove could heat a room better than a fireplace and saved people a lot of fuel. He also invented a special kind of glasses called bifocals. This new kind of glasses helped people to read better.

a)

Benjamin Franklin thought reading was important.

b)

Benjamin Franklin was not afraid of fire.

c)

Benjamin Franklin was a great inventor.

d)

A Franklin stove can heat a whole room.

27.

What is the best question to ask yourself when you are trying to find the main idea?

a)

Who is the main character?

b)

What is the main event?

c)

What is one important detail?

d)

What point is the author trying to make?

28.

Shanna had never seen so many fish before. She looked around at the huge tanks and could see hundreds of fish, crabs, shrimp, and all other amazing creatures completely surrounding her. She never thought she could feel like she was completely underwater, yet still be completely dry.
Where is Shanna?

a)

The Mall

b)

The Ocean

c)

The Aquariam

d)

The Park

29.

A bat can fly at night or even with its eyes closed. But if you cover its ears, it can't fly very well. Bats make sounds that people can't hear. The bats find their way by listening to these sounds as they echo off things. Bats even locate insects to eat by following the sounds that bounce off the bugs. People use their eyes, but bats use their ears to know where they're going. This paragraph mainly tells:

a)

how bats use sound

b)

what things bats often eat as food

c)

how bats fly toward people

d)

how people can hear the sounds of bats

30.

Some people say that the White House has ghosts. The most famous ghost is Abraham Lincoln. He is often seen standing in his room looking out the window. Even Eleanor Roosevelt said that she saw him. There is a legend that old Abe walks back and forth all night before something terrible is about to happen. This paragraph mainly tells:

a)

what Lincoln's ghost is like

b)

when Eleanor Roosevelt's ghost walked

c)

hwo many ghosts the White House has

d)

how ghosts show when something will happen

31.

Dolphins are very smart animals. They even have their own language. They talk to each other with clicks, whistles, and grunts. Scientists have been studying this dolphin language. They hope that in the future, people and dolphins will be able to talk to each other.This paragraph mainly tells:

a)

how dolphins talk to people

b)

how smart dolphins are

c)

how dolpins are different from fish

d)

which scientists are studying languages

32.

One dinosaur had a brain that weighed about as much as three pencils. Its body weighed ten tons and was over twenty feet in length. As you can guess, this dinosaur did not think too clearly. It wasn't the world's brightest dinosaur! What is the main idea of this paragraph?

a)

How big one dinosaur was

b)

What one dinosaur's brain was like

c)

Why one dinosaur had a small brain

33.

When we think of seaweed, we usually picture brown or green plants a foot or so in length. Seaweeds are also of other colors. Some are red. Some kinds grow to lengths of a hundred feet! These form giant seaweed forests, where many kinds of fish take shelter. What is the main idea?

a)

Why some seaweed grows so large

b)

What seaweed is like

c)

Why seaweed is red

34.

The range of a bird refers to the area over which it flies. some birds are able to fly great distances, and range over almost the whole world. Other birds have a very small range. they travel over areas smaller than one hundred miles. What is the main idea?

a)

Where to find a bird range

b)

Why birds like to travel

c)

How bird ranges differ

35.

Not all animals that live in the water are fish. Frogs and tadpoles, for example, spend part of their lives in water. They are amphibians, not true fish. Whales and seals are warm-blooded mammals. Some snakes live partly in water too. What is the main idea?

a)

Why just fish live in water

b)

Why whales live in water

c)

Which animals live in water

36.

The red, green and amber traffic light is a safety signal. Yet some drivers don't see it. Some drivers don't obey it. People cross the street without looking at it. Often the traffic light turns out to be a signal of death. What is the main idea?

a)

What the traffic light signals

b)

Why all people obey traffic lights

c)

Why all people disobey traffic lights

37.

There are about 13,000 wild horses in our country. Most are in the high lands of the Southwest. The horses find great difficulty in getting food during the winter months. Snow covers the grass and small bushes that they feed on. Their numbers grow smaller each year. What is the main idea?

a)

Where wild horses live

b)

Why grass and bushes can't be seen

c)

What is happening to our wild horses

38.

A man from another country counted all the car accidents. He found out that cars painted pink or any light hade seem to be safer. The light colors are more easily seen. Cars of two or three different colors may be even safer. What is the main idea?

a)

Which color cars are safest

b)

How to paint a car

c)

What colors can't be seen

39.

Great waves that sweep in from the ocean are known as tidal waves. Actually a tidal wave has nothing to do with the tides. It is caused by an undersea earthquake called a seaquake, or by storms far out to sea. A tidal wave may rise over fifty feet high. What is the main idea?

a)

How high tidal waves may be

b)

How to start a tidal wave

c)

What tidal waves are like

40.

An octopus isn't fast enough to swim after a fish. The octopus must wait for a fish to swim by. When the fish comes within reach, the octopus whips out his long arm to grasp it. Then the octopus has a tasty meal. What is the main idea?

a)

How much fish an octopus eats

b)

Why the octopus likes to eat

c)

How an octopus gets its food

41.

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?

a)

Weather reporters need to know where the cold air is

b)

Pictures help weather reporters get information out in a fast way

c)

Their reports need to be correct, but they also need to be short

d)

They have to know where it is raining and what types of clouds are in the area

42.

I can't wait until this weekend! We’re going to my grandparents’ house and my entire family will be there. I will spend most of my time playing games with my cousins. We always have such a good time together! The day goes by so fast, and by the end we are all exhausted... but we still don’t want to leave!
What is the main idea?

a)

Weekends are times to travel.

b)

The author enjoys spending time with her family.

c)

The author's grandparents live far away.

d)

The author is sad to leave her cousins.

43.

What is the main idea?

a)

Its the authors point of view

b)

Is what the passage is mostly about

c)

It is the sequence of the story.

44.

You should determine the main idea by combining the supporting details.

a)

True

b)

False

45.

The top three tips are as follows: Look at the big picture, Re-read the first and last sentence, and look for repetition.

a)

True

b)

False

46.

The main idea can be implied or stated.

a)

True

b)

False

47.

There are many fun things to do at the beach. Swimming is one thing that can be done at the beach. Snorkeling is another thing that can be enjoyed. Playing beach volleyball can be a lot of fun. It is also fun to look for shells. Some people simply like to sunbathe.
What is the main idea?

a)

There are many fun things to do at the beach.

b)

It is also fun to look for shells.

c)

Some people simply like to sunbathe.

d)

Going to the beach to swim can be fun.

48.

Benjamin Franklin loved to write. When he was twenty-two, he set up his own printing shop and started a newspaper. He also printed a book called Poor Richard’s Almanac. It had funny stories, information about the weather, and wise sayings.

a)

Benjamin Franklin loved to write stories and books.

b)

Benjamin Franklin worked very hard when he was young.

c)

Benjamin Franklin knew a lot about the weather.

d)

Benjamin Franklin was very poor.

49.

I can't wait until this weekend! We’re going to my grandparents’ house and my entire family will be there. I will spend most of my time playing games with my cousins. We always have such a good time together! The day goes by so fast, and by the end we are all exhausted... but we still don’t want to leave!
What is the main idea?

a)

Weekends are times to travel.

b)

The author enjoys spending time with her family.

c)

The author's grandparents live far away.

d)

The author is sad to leave her cousins.

50.

Sharks can lose up to 30,000 teeth in their lifetime. Sharks have teeth arranged in rows inside their mouths. These teeth do not have roots like human teeth do, so they fall out easily. When a shark takes a powerful bite into its food, several teeth are lost. When these teeth are lost, new ones push forward from the back rows to replace them. Luckily, sharks continually grow new teeth to replace the thousands they lose.

a)

What shark teeth look like

b)

Sharks lose many teeth over their lifetime.

c)

Sharks are carnivorous predators.

51.

Training a dog to be a watchdog often reduces unexpected results. Some dogs quickly learn the difference between unwanted people and friends. This is because their masters welcome friends into their houses. However, some dogs will always attack the postman who comes to deliver letters. One explanation for this behavior is that, although the postman comes to the house often, he never enters the house. Therefore, the dog thinks the postman is someone not wanted, but keeps coming back anyway. Which sentence is the main idea?

a)

a. sentence 1

b)

b. sentence 2

c)

c. sentence 3

d)

d. sentence 5

52.

Someday we will all have robots that will be our personal servants. They will look and behave much like real humans. We will be able to talk to these mechanical helpers and they will be able to respond in kind! Amazingly, the robots of the future will be able to learn from experience. They will be smart, strong, and untiring workers whose only goal will be to make our lives easier.
What is this selection mainly about?

a)

Someday we will have robots that will be our personal servants.

b)

We will be able to talk to robots and they will be able to respond.

c)

You should give up if you are the Robots will look and behave much like real humans.

d)

Amazingly, the robots of the future will be able to learn from experience.

53.

One dinosaur had a brain that weighed about as much as three pencils. Its body weighed ten tons and was over twenty feet in length. As you can guess, this dinosaur did not think too clearly. It wasn't the world's brightest dinosaur! What is the main idea of this paragraph?

a)

How big one dinosaur was

b)

What one dinosaur's brain was like

c)

Why one dinosaur had a small brain

d)

how pretty dinosaurs were

54.

An octopus isn't fast enough to swim after a fish. The octopus must wait for a fish to swim by. When the fish comes within reach, the octopus whips out his long arm to grasp it. Then the octopus has a tasty meal. What is the main idea?

a)

How much fish an octopus eats

b)

Why the octopus likes to eat

c)

How an octopus gets its food

d)

why an octopus has 8 legs

55.

Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer. Soccer players learn how to dribble and pass the ball. They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score. Most importantly, soccer players learn how to work together with their teammates.
What is the main idea?

a)

They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score.

b)

Soccer players learn how to dribble.

c)

They learn how to work together as teammates.

d)

Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.

56.

Yesterday was my birthday. When I woke up, I noticed my brother Josh hung up a big sign that said,"Happy Birthday, Charles!" Mom made spaghetti for dinner.
It's my favorite food in the whole world. My friend Dave came over and handed me a wrapped gift. I wondered what it was. It was a new basketball! I had a great day.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?

a)

Josh got lots of gifts.

b)

Charles got a lot of gifts.

c)

Charles had a great birthday.

d)

Josh had a great birthday.

57.

The main idea is supported by what?

a)

topics

b)

details

c)

monkeys

d)

periods

58.

The main idea does not need supporting details.

a)

True

b)

False

59.

There are many fun things to do at the beach. Swimming is one thing that can be done at the beach. Snorkeling is another thing that can be enjoyed. Playing beach volleyball can be a lot of fun. It is also fun to look for shells. Some people simply like to sunbathe.
What is the main idea?

a)

There are many fun things to do at the beach.

b)

It is also fun to look for shells.

c)

Some people simply like to sunbathe.

d)

Going to the beach to swim can be fun.

60.

Most of the time, Main Idea can be found ...

a)

at the start or end of a paragraph

b)

In the middle of a paragraph

c)

on the last page

d)

in the index

61.

The Main Idea is the big point or most important idea in a passage

a)

True

b)

False

62.

"I hate the idea of having all those people out there watching me...I just don't like it when I'm around so many people. I wish I just could hide somewhere," whispered Violet.
What can you infer about Violet?

a)

She is energetic

b)

She is shy

c)

She is mean

d)

She hates people

63.

Story:
Have you ever wondered how the 50 states got their names?Many of those the Native Americans gave to the area. Hawaii is theword for “homeland”. Missouri means “river of the big canoes.”Michigan means “great water.” Ohio means “good river.” Otherstates names are based on the English language. Indiana stands for“land of Indians.” King George named Georgia. Maine is short for“mainland.” New Hampshire was named for a settler’s home inEngland. The reasons behind some names aren’t clear. Rhode Islandwas named after a Greek island. Texas mean “friends” in Spanish.California was named after a made-up place in a story.
What is the main idea?

a)

The reason behind some states’ names aren’t clear.

b)

Almost every state was named by Native Americans.

c)

You can see the English influence in most of the states’ names.

d)

States’ names come from Native American words, English words,and other places.

64.

Story:
An American art form began in 1938. That’s when the first comic book starring Superman came out. The Man of Steel was a superhero. Kids and adults both enjoyed these comic books.They liked the fact that the good guy always won. The comics sold well. Soon Batman and Robin had their own series of comic books. Over time Marvel Comics came up with more superheroes. They launched Spiderman and X-Men. These characters were very popular. Toys, games, and clothing featured them. Now, all these comic book characters have had their own movies.
What is the main idea?

a)

In a comic book, the superhero always wins.

b)

Superman was the first comic book hero.

c)

Over time, comic book superheroes have gained in popularity.

d)

Toys and games feature superheroes.

65.

Story:
All bicycle riders, young and old, should have the right equipment to practice bicycle safety. Bike parts such as tires and brakes must be in proper working condition.Each bicycle should have reflectors so that the rider can be seen from the front, back, and sides. A bell or horn can help prevent accidents, too. Bicycle riders should always wear a helmet to protect their head from an accident.
What is the main idea?

a)

Bicycle riders need to know hand signals.

b)

Bicycle riders need to get reflectors.

c)

Bicycle riders need the right equipment to practice bicycle safety.

d)

Bicycle riders should always wear a helmet.

66.

Main Idea:
Harry Houdini became a famous magician for his escapes from impossible traps.

What supporting detail would go with this main idea?

a)

Houdini liked to travel to England to perform his magic tricks.

b)

Houdini was a very mysterious man.

c)

Houdini liked to do tricks with water.

d)

Houdini once escaped a straightjacket whilesuspended high in the air.

67.

Main Idea:
Frogs are amazing jumpers.

What supporting detail would go with this main idea?

a)

Frogs use their tongue to catch flies.

b)

A tadpole is the name of a young frog.

c)

Frogs have long, powerful legs which help them leaplong distances.

d)

The Fire-belly Toad has slightly warty skin.

68.

Main Idea:
Chocolate is a very popular gift to give during the holidays.

What supporting detail would go with this main idea?

a)

On Valentine’s Day, heart shaped boxes filled with chocolate are given to loved ones.

b)

Hot chocolate is made with warm chocolate and milk.

c)

Most of the world’s cocoa beans come from Africa.

d)

Chocolate is a popular flavor of ice cream.

69.

Main Idea:
Octopuses have many different ways to hide themselves from predators.

What supporting detail would go with this main idea?

a)

Octopuses have two eyes and four pairs of arms.

b)

Octopuses like to live in coral reefs.

c)

Octopuses use camouflage to disguise themselves.

d)

Octopuses move about by crawling or swimming.

70.

Main Idea:
Archaeologists study the past through artifacts that they discover.

What supporting detail would go with this main idea?

a)

Archaeologists work long hard hours in the sun.

b)

The discovery of stone tools gave archaeologists cluesabout how people lived in the past.

c)

Archaeologists dig in places around the world.

d)

Indiana Jones was an archaeologist.

71.

Main Idea:
There are many famous skateboarders in the United States.

What supporting detail would NOT go with this main idea?

a)

Tony Hawk became famous for his half pipe tricks.

b)

Shaun White is a professional skateboarder and snowboarder.

c)

With his own television show, Ryan Sheckler is the youngest skateboarder on the pro-circuit.

d)

The trick called the “Ollie” was created in the 1970’s.

72.

Main Idea:
To scuba dive you need a lot of special equipment.

What supporting detail would NOT go with this main idea?

a)

Scuba divers prefer the waters of the Caribbean.

b)

A mask is used to help the scuba diver see things underwater.

c)

A scuba diver uses an oxygen tank to breathe under water.

d)

Flippers make swimming in the ocean much easier.

73.

Main Idea:
One type animal that is a nocturnal hunter is a cat.

What supporting detail would NOT go with this main idea?

a)

At night cats roam the streets looking for small rodents.

b)

Cats will wait in trees when it’s dark, and pounce on their prey.

c)

To clean themselves, cats use their tongue as a brush.

d)

Cats will hide in the shadows of a bush while stalking their midnight snack.

74.

Main Idea:
Egypt is home to the legendary pyramids and their history.

What supporting detail would NOT go with this main idea?

a)

The Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt are one of the Seven Ancient Wonders.

b)

A pyramid is a building with a triangular shape.

c)

Egyptians made pyramids famous by burying their royalty inside of them.

d)

People travel to Egypt to see its 138 historic pyramids.

75.

Main Idea:
Earthquakes can cause a lot of destruction.

What supporting detail would NOT go with this main idea?

a)

Earthquakes can also be known as quakes, tremors, or temblors.

b)

When a building is not made earthquake safe, it can crumble
to the ground.

c)

Many bridges are demolished when they wobble in a quake.

d)

Earthquakes can create tsunamis, which
can flood cities.

76.

NOTE:

Credit to Softschools.com for these questions and answers.

Identify the main idea in each of the passages in this Quizizz activity.

Yellow jackets, a kind of wasp, are a normal part of summer. Their numbers increase all summer, making them a nuisance by late summer. Colonies can reach several thousand individuals. Picnic areas are especially attractive to them, and Yellow jackets will visit these areas regularly.

a)

Their numbers increase all summer, making them a nuisance by late summer

b)

Yellow jackets, a kind of wasp, are a normal part of summer.

c)

Colonies can reach several thousand individuals.

d)

Picnic areas are especially attractive to them, and Yellow jackets will visit these areas regularly.

77.

Insect antennae, also called "feelers", do much more than just feel. They help the insect feel objects, monitor motion, and detect smells. They let the insect hear, sense moisture, and feel heat. They can also interpret a variety of chemical cues.

a)

They help the insect feel objects, monitor motion, and detect smells.

b)

They can also interpret a variety of chemical cues.

c)

Insect antennae, also called feelers, do much more than just feel.

d)

They let the insect hear, sense moisture, and feel heat.

78.

Alex scored eight points for his baseball team. He struck out five players. He hit two home runs and drove in six more runs. Alex was declared Most Valuable Player of the game.

a)

He hit two home runs and drove in six more runs.

b)

Alex was declared Most Valuable Player of the game.

c)

Alex scored eight points for his baseball team.

d)

He struck out five players

79.

Dogs are often called man's best friend, but they also help humans in many ways. Some dogs hunt or retrieve. Some dogs guide the blind. Others guard animals and property.

a)

Others guard animals and property.

b)

Some dogs guide the blind.

c)

Some dogs hunt or retrieve.

d)

Dogs, man's best friend, also help humans in many ways.

80.

Before the Europeans came, women in North America had more power and freedom than women in Europe or Asia. Women owned their own houses. They could get divorced if they wanted to. They didn't lose their children if they did get divorced.

a)

Women owned their own houses.

b)

They didn't lose their children if they did get divorced.

c)

They could get divorced if they wanted to.

d)

Before the Europeans came, women in North America had more power and freedom than women in Europe or Asia.

81.

People in early North America ate only wild foods that they could hunt or gather. Inuit people ate lots of fish and seal meat and gathered seaweed. Pueblo people ate cactus fruit and pine nuts and hunted rabbits and birds. Cree people ate fish with wild rice that they gathered in the wetlands around the Great Lakes.

a)

Cree people ate fish with wild rice that they gathered in the wetlands around the Great Lakes.

b)

People in early North America ate only wild foods that they could hunt or gather.

c)

Inuit people ate a lot of fish and seal meat, and gathered seaweed.

d)

Pueblo people ate cactus fruit and pine nuts, and hunted rabbits and birds.

82.

Thomas Alva Edison is remembered because of the huge number things he invented which are still used today. He invented the light bulb. The storage battery was invented by him. Motion pictures (movies) were another of his inventions.

a)

The storage battery was invented by him.

b)

Thomas Alva Edison is remembered because of the huge number things he invented which are still used today.

c)

Motion pictures (movies) were another of his inventions.

d)

He invented the light bulb.

83.

Martin Luther King Jr. was one of America's most important civil rights leaders. He inspired many with his famous, "I Have a Dream" speech. He believed in using non-violent methods to achieve his dream of racial integration. He was assassinated at age 39.

a)

He was assassinated at age 39.

b)

He believed in using non-violent methods to achieve his dream of racial integration.

c)

He inspired many with his famous, "I have a dream" speech.

d)

Martin Luther King Jr. was one of America's most important civil rights leaders.

84.

Native people in early North America liked to play games. Their favorite games were played with a stick and a ball, like lacrosse. In lacrosse the rule is that you can't touch the ball with your hands. You catch the ball in a net on the end of a stick and use the stick to throw the ball.

a)

Their favorite games were played with a stick and a ball, like lacrosse.

b)

Native people in early North America liked to play games.

c)

You catch the ball in a net on the end of a stick and use the stick to throw the ball.

d)

In lacrosse the rule is that you can't touch the ball with your hands.

85.

Not all plants grow in the same way. Some plants grow and reproduce in one year and are called annuals. Some plants grow and reproduce in two years and are called biennials. Other plants grow and reproduce for many years and are called perennials.

a)

Other plants grow and reproduce for many years and are called perennials

b)

Some plants grow and reproduce in two years and are called biennials.

c)

Plants grow in different ways.

d)

Some plants grow and reproduce in one year and are called annuals

86.

Teeth can tell you what kinds of food a mammal eats. Plant eaters (herbivores) like deer have large, flat molars for grinding plants. Animals that eat both plants and meat (omnivores) have strong canines and molars for tearing and grinding foods. Animals that are meat eaters (carnivores) have canine teeth for cutting and tearing.

a)

Animals that are meat eaters (carnivores) have canine teeth for cutting and tearing

b)

Plant eaters (herbivores) like deer have large, flat molars for grinding plants.

c)

Animals that eat both plants and meat (omnivores) have strong canines and molars for tearing and grinding foods.

d)

Teeth are not only for chewing; they can tell you what kinds of food a mammal eats.

87.

Animals have defenses against being eaten, and so do plants. Plants like milkweed have strong chemicals that can make animals sick. Poison Ivy has oils in its leaves that will give animals an itchy rash. Blackberries have sharp thorns all over the plant.

a)

Both animals and plants have defenses against being eaten.

b)

Blackberries have sharp thorns all over the plant.

c)

Poison ivy has oils in its leaves that will give animals an itchy rash.

d)

Plants like hemlock have strong chemicals that can make animals sick.

88.

Which term best describes the main idea of a piece of writing?

a)

A supporting detail

b)

A central point

c)

A broad topic

d)

A statement of opinion

89.

In the phrase, "The main idea is buttressed by supporting details," what is the best synonym for "buttressed?"

a)

Backed

b)

Refuted

c)

Confounded

d)

Weakened

90.

In an essay, details serve a similar function to:

a)

An instruction manual for putting together furniture.

b)

The characters in a work of fiction.

c)

Blank pages in a notebook

d)

The evidence an attorney uses to convict a criminal.

91.

If you read an essay explaining why eating healthy foods is good for you, what would the topic be?

a)

Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.

b)

Healthy foods

c)

Eating healthy foods is good for you

d)

Eating is necessary to sustain life.

92.

In the same article about healthy foods, what would the main idea be?

a)

Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, and lean protein

b)

Healthy foods

c)

Eating healthy foods is good for you

d)

Eating is necessary to sustain life

93.

What supporting detail might you find in the same article?

a)

That people who eat healthy foods live longer.

b)

That healthy foods include vegetables and protein.

c)

That healthy foods are good for you

d)

That eating is necessary to sustain life.

94.

If you wanted to find the main idea in a piece of writing, where would you look?

a)

In the first sentence.

b)

In the first sentence of the second paragraph.

c)

In the last sentence of the first paragraph

d)

There's no one place where the main idea is always found.

95.

If you can't figure out the main idea of a passage, what should you do?

a)

Try to recall every specific detail in the passage.

b)

Ask yourself general questions about the passage.

c)

Read the passage once and don't look at it again

d)

Read the passage over and over until you have it memorized.

96.

In what section of a newspaper would you find articles with topics and main ideas? Choose the best answer.

a)

On the editorial page.

b)

In the letters to the editor

c)

In the main news section.

d)

In virtually every section of the paper.

97.

What inference can you make about main ideas in writing?

a)

They're always based in fact, and never opinion.

b)

To be effective, they must be supported by facts

c)

In many essays, they have nothing to do with the topic

d)

Most pieces of writing lack main ideas.

98.

What is the best question to ask yourself when you are trying to find the main idea?

a)

Who is the main character?

b)

What is the main event?

c)

What is one important detail?

d)

What point is the author trying to make?

99.

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?

a)

Weather reporters need to know where the cold air is

b)

Pictures help weather reporters get information out in a fast way

c)

Their reports need to be correct, but they also need to be short

d)

They have to know where it is raining and what types of clouds are in the area

100.

John and Matt want to be firemen. They want to ride on the big fire truck. John wants to climb ladders and rescue people from fires. Matt wants to hold the big hose and spray water on the fires to put them out.
What is the main idea?

a)

John wants to climb a ladder.

b)

John and Matt want to be firemen

c)

Matt wants to hold a fire hose.

d)

They want to ride on the big fire truck.

Main Idea (Kecman)

Total questions: 100

Worksheet time: 7hrs 9mins

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