wayground logo

Free Printable Worksheets

Font size

S
M
L
XL
Worksheets

main idea + details - 5th grade

Total questions: 15

Worksheet time: 39mins

Name
Class
Date
1.
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.
2.
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.
3.
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
4.
Read the following details and determine the main idea of the words.
-theater
-candy
-popcorn
-dark
a)
Playing at the park.
b)
Going to school.
c)
Playing a soccer game.
d)
Going to the movies.
5.
Perhaps one of the largest flowers grown is the sunflower. These giants grow up to 10 feet high. The flower itself is very large. It gets its name from the way it follows the sun. The face of the flower moves from east to west so that it is always facing the sun. The main idea is:
a)
To discuss large flowers.
b)
To describe the importance of the sunflower.
c)
To tell how the sunflower got its name.
6.
What is a main idea? 
a)
The purpose of the passage
b)
A minor detail
c)
It is the same as the topic
d)
the most important idea about a topic that a particular text or paragraph conveys
7.

All About Sharks Teeth

Which detail below does not support the main idea above?

a)

Sharks have very sharp teeth.

b)

Sharks hunt other living creatures for food.

c)

Sharks have an unlimited supply of teeth that always grow back when one is lost.

d)

A shark can go through as many as 20,000 teeth in it's lifetime.

8.

I have a dog whose name is Paco. He is almost 10 years old. Paco is very loveable with a brown face and short black fur. He is one of my best friends. He plays with me, sleeps with me, and goes on walks with me. I am so glad to have him around. I love him.


The main idea of this passage is:

a)

The writer has a dog named Paco.

b)

Paco is very lovable.

c)

The writer's dog is an important part of his life.

d)

The dog is cute and sweet

9.

Eric gripped the bat in his hands. His palms were sweaty but he took a deep breath as he stepped up to the plate. He had to score a run or his team would lose the game. When the pitcher threw a fastball, Eric’s reflexes took over and he heard the “Crack!” of the bat hitting the ball. His heart raced with excitement as he ran to first base. He was safe!


The main idea of this passage is:

a)

Eric gets nervous when he plays baseball.

b)

Eric scores a homerun.

c)

How to play baseball.

d)

Eric overcomes his nerves and makes it to first base.

10.
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
11.
Read the following passage and then choose the best summary or main idea.
The Elk River flows from the far northern part of the state all the way to the southern tip. All kinds of animals rely on it for drinking water, people eat the fish they catch in it, and farmers in the state depend on it for irrigating their crops. Since there is very little rain in this state, the Elk River gives animals and humans the water they need to stay alive. Even though the river is not nearly the biggest in the nation, it is very important to the people and animals that live near it.
a)
The Elk River is a small river.
b)
The Elk River starts in the northern part of the state.
c)
The Elk River is very important to people and animals.
d)
People catch fish in the Elk River.
12.
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.
13.
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. 
14.
Select the supporting detail that doesn't fit.
Topic Sentence: My cat is afraid of everything.
a)
He hides under the couch when you turn the microwave on.
b)
He sleeps all day long.
c)
He runs away when you sweep the floor.
d)
He jumps every time the doorbell rings.
15.
Which supporting detail best supports this topic sentence?
It takes a lot of hard work to become a professional athlete. 
a)
The pros live the good life.
b)
People like professional football players make a lot of money.
c)
Professional athletes spend countless hours practicing their sports.
d)
All of us can be professional athletes.