wayground logo

Free Printable Worksheets

NEW

Font size

S
M
L
XL
Worksheets

Main Idea

Total questions: 15

Worksheet time: 15mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

The majority of photographers have fancy cameras they use to take photos. Sometimes these cameras break and they have to be fixed. If the cameras were less expensive cameras, the repairs would be cheaper.


What is the Main Idea?

a)

It is best to buy a cheaper camera

b)

Professionals should purchase good cameras

c)

Fancy cameras are expensive to repair

d)

Expensive cameras are better than cheap ones

2.

The Olympic torch is lit and then carried around the world at the start of the Olympic Games. For the 2008 Summer Games, it traveled more than 85,000 miles and was carried by more than 21,000 participants.


What is the Main Idea?

a)

The Olympic torch is a symbol of the determination of the athletes

b)

In 2008, as with all Olympics, the Olympic torch traveled a long distance with many carriers

c)

Traveling over 85,000 miles, the torch prepares spectators worldwide for the Olympic Games

d)

Bearing the Olympic torch while representing one's country is a great honor

3.

Nicotine is the chemical found in cigarettes, which can be very addictive. Unfortunately, smoking cigarettes can lead to heart and lung diseases.


What is the main idea?

a)

Cigarettes are both habit-forming and harmful

b)

Nicotine is found in cigarettes.

c)

Heart and lung diseases have only one cause

d)

An addiction to smoking can be difficult to break

4.

The Great Depression in the 1930s was a time of enormous economic decline in the United States. It created hard times for everyone. It also provided opportunities for citizens to work together for the betterment of the country as a whole.


What is the main idea?

a)

Nothing good came from the Great Depression

b)

An economic decline can affect all aspects of a society

c)

Difficult times can create positive outcomes

d)

Multiple factors led to the Great Depression in the U.S.

5.

Mr. Smith was voted Franklin High School's favorite teacher for several reasons.


Which statement does not explain the main idea?

a)

Mr. Smith is fair to all students, and he is always willing to listen.

b)

Mr. Smith selflessly volunteers his time after school to assist several student clubs.

c)

Mr. Smith teaches biology with passion and enthusiasm

d)

Mr. Smith's classroom is located on the second floor in Wing B.

6.

A citizen can express her patriotism by joining the army or by displaying a flag on the porch. Another citizen might choose to stay informed about events and hold elected officials responsible for their work. Others may choose to express themselves in all of these ways other manners. Each citizen should be respectful of how others choose to show their love for their country.


What is the main idea?

a)

Patriotism is individualized and should be respected

b)

Being patriotic means believing in the leaders of the country

c)

Only true patriots serve in the military

d)

Patriotism and the desire to help others are closely related

7.

The term 'dynamic duo' is used to refer to a great partnership. Other terms serving the same purpose might include 'perfect pair,' 'two peas in a pod, or 'super couple.' The rationale for choosing a particular term would depend on the circumstance.


What is the main idea?

a)

Terms of endearment are personal.

b)

Terms for a pair can vary in name and reason.

c)

Terms of admiration should be left up to the individual.

d)

Terms can define personal relationships.

8.

Too many absences from school can result in poor grades and poor progress. Actually being in class each day allows a student to better learn the information and understand how to complete assignments. Students get to know their teachers better and feel more comfortable asking for

help.


What is the main idea?

a)

Never miss any school, even if sick

b)

Being in school helps learning

c)

Learning is important for success

d)

School days are more fun than weekends

9.

The term 'blouse' is considered old-fashioned by many. In previous years, it referred to a woman's shirt specifically and not a man's shirt. Now, most individuals simply identify a shirt as a shirt regardless of who will be wearing it.


What is the main idea?

a)

The term for a woman's shirt has changed over time.

b)

A blouse is actually a woman's shirt.

c)

There are special names for various types of clothing

d)

Today, women's clothing often resembles men's clothing.

10.

The mechanic drove the car around and didn't notice anything unusual about the vehicle's performance. When the owner returned with the car shaking, the mechanic felt embarrassed and annoyed.


What is the main idea?

a)

Skilled mechanics can always fix cars

b)

Cars' malfunctions tend to come and go.

c)

The mechanic appeared to be incompetent.

d)

The car's owner was furious at the mechanic.

11.

After several months of working diligently each day with no breaks in between, Mr. Ramos loaded up his family for a spontaneous adventure to a secluded cabin in the woods. The children hiked for hours, complained most of the way there, and then hugged their dad when they saw the breathtaking panoramic view of the lake.


What is the main idea?

a)

Hard work is not always worth the effort.

b)

Hard work should be repaid upon completion.

c)

Hard work can result in great rewards.

d)

Hard work is something few can do cheerfully

12.

The following is a thesis for a research paper: "Over the past 20 years, obesity rates have reached epidemic proportions in America." To best support this thesis, the writer should

a)

offer the clinical definition of obesity

b)

include photographs of obese and normal-weight individuals from the past 20 years

c)

compare and contrast U.S. obesity rates over the past 20 years

d)

compare and contrast obesity rates in the U.S. with obesity rates in other nations

13.

What would be the best way to present supporting ideas for the following thesis?


Australia is home to the most dangerous organisms in the world.

a)

Give examples of dangerous Australian creatures and explain what makes them dangerous.

b)

Cite population numbers for Australian snakes, spiders, crocodiles, and other dangerous creatures.

c)

Compare the most harmless organisms of Australia with the most dangerous organisms.

d)

Use a map to show where the most dangerous creatures in Australia can be found.

14.

With three brothers, Alma was accustomed to the bantering going on around her. However, unlike her brothers, the students at her school did not speak to her. She had been attending her new school for one week and had not made any friends. The other students seemed captivated by how best they could humiliate one another. Somberly walking down the hall one morning to class, Alma dropped her notebook. Exasperated, she bent down and was greeted with the friendly smile of another new student.


What is the main idea?

a)

New students always get made fun of at school

b)

New students can relate to one another since they are all new.

c)

New students can easily make friends.

d)

New students often attract the attention of longtime students.

15.

It only makes sense that if a businessman is aloof and does not follow through on his promises, he should be considered untrustworthy. Of course, there may be some legitimate reasons for not keeping one's word. More often than not, however, the actions in the past are a good indication of the actions yet to come.


What is the main idea?

a)

Previous behavior can predict future behavior.

b)

People will change if the situation requires it.

c)

How people act shows what their priorities are

d)

Businessmen will break promises if profit is involved