wayground logo

Free Printable Worksheets

NEW

Font size

S
M
L
XL
Worksheets

Main Idea & details TEST (A)

Total questions: 20

Worksheet time: 1hrs 28mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

The main idea is what the story is ______________ about.

a)

mostly

b)

only

c)

never

2.

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.

3.

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 many skills when playing soccer.

c)

They learn how to work together as teammates.

4.

Where in the passage can you sometimes find the main idea?

a)

Beginning or end

b)

Middle

5.

Key details give important information that support the main idea.

a)

True

b)

False

6.

Which sentence is a detail that you should get enough sleep?

a)

Many people sleep later on the weekends.

b)

Caffeine keeps some people awake at night.

c)

Seven to nine hours keeps you refreshed the next day.

7.

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.

8.

Which supporting detail best supports this topic sentence?

Subway is a healthier option than McDonald's.

a)

Subway uses fresh ingredients whereas McDonald's has processed fried food.

b)

A lot of people choose to eat Subway for lunch and dinner.

c)

McDonald's french fries are salty and delicious.

9.

Desmond 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. Desmond 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)

Desmond finds enough food for his family.

b)

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

c)

Desmond catches a snapping turtle while fishing.

10.

Jenny visited her grandmother in the hospital. She saw how kind and helpful the nurses were to her grandmother. Now she wants to be a nurse when she grows up. She wants to help sick people get well.

What is the main idea?

a)

Jenny got sick.

b)

Jenny wants to be a nurse.

c)

Her grandmother was in the hospital.

11.

Which sentence is a supporting detail that recycling is important?

a)

There are many landfills available for waste.

b)

Recycling paper saves trees from being cut down.

c)

Clean jars before recycling them.

12.
Please read the following details and determine the main idea of these words.
-pencils
-paper
-glue
-scissors
-notebooks
a)

school supplies

b)

circus

c)

ice cream flavors

d)

cities

13.
Please read the following details and determine the main idea of these words.
-candles
-presents
-party
-cake
-once a year
a)

Valentine's Day

b)

birthday

c)

vacation

d)

sports

14.
Please read the following details and determine the main idea of these words.
-football
-soccer
-volleyball
-baseball
-tennis
a)

school

b)

games

c)

something hard

d)

sports

15.
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.

16.

You can make all sorts of things with Legos. (Which detail does NOT belong?)

a)

You can very easily build a column.

b)

You can make a castle, a monkey, or a car.

c)

It hurts to step on Legos with bare feet.

d)

There are even kits available to make Star Wars ships.

17.
Elephants use their trunks for many things. Elephants use their trunks to smell. In fact, elephants can smell better than bloodhounds. Baby elephants sometimes suck their trunks to soothe themselves the way human babies suck their thumbs. Elephants do not drink with their trunks. They use their trunks to suck up water and then pour it in their mouths. Elephants also greet each other with their trunks the way humans do by shaking hands. What is the main idea?
a)
 How much water elephants drink
b)
Where elephants live
c)
How elephant use their trunks
18.

Dogs are great pets. They can learn tricks and they are very loyal to their owners. Dogs can keep you company when you take a walk, play with you when no one else is around, or even make you laugh with the silly things they do. Dogs are cute and fun. Everyone should own a dog.


What is the MAIN IDEA of the passage?

a)

To tell about the tricks a dog can do.

b)

To tell you why dogs are great pets.

c)

Dogs can make you laugh with their silly tricks.

d)

Dogs can keep you company when you take a walk.

19.

Cats are horrible animals. They can hiss, scratch, and bite people. Cats can make people sneeze and can be very messy in a house. Dogs are great animals and do not hiss at people. I do not know why anyone likes cats. Dogs are friendlier and smarter than cats.


Which of the following is a DETAIL from the passage?

a)

To tell about how great dogs are.

b)

To tell you why cats are horrible animals.

c)

To tell how messy and mean cats are.

d)

They can hiss, scratch, and bite people.

20.
There are several events that can change the Earth's surface very quickly. Volcanoes can erupt and spread lava, rock and ash for several miles.  Earthquakes can leave large cracks in the Earth's surface.
a)

Several events can change the Earth's surface.

b)

Earthquakes can cause large cracks. 

c)

Volcanoes can be dangerous.