Free Printable Quiz

1.

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

a)

Who is the main character?

b)

Are there pictures
Are there pictures?

c)

What is one important detail?

d)

What point is the author trying to make?

2.

Seated on his throne, King Midas wore a golden crown. He had golden rings on each finger and held a golden scepter. His vest was embroidered with golden thread and even his shoes had golden ornaments. He had a golden box filled with gold coins. He named his daughter Marigold.

What is the main idea of this paragraph?

a)

King Midas loved gold.

b)

King Midas sold lots of gold.

c)

King Midas had a heart of gold.

d)

King Midas hated gold.

3.

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.

4.

One the most popular musical instruments is the piano. In the traditional musical instrument classification system of string, woodwind, percussion and brass, the piano falls into two categories. It is considered a string instrument because the sound comes from the strings inside the piano. It is also considered a percussion instrument, since the player strikes the keyboard, which signals an internal hammer to strike the strings.
What is the author main point?

a)

The piano is both a string and percussion instrument.

b)

The piano is a string instrument.

c)

The piano is a popular instrument.

d)

The strings of a piano makes the sound.

5.

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.

6.

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.

The main topic is about...

a)

The Mall

b)

The Ocean

c)

The Aquariam

d)

The Park

7.

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.

8.

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

9.

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

a)

Healthy foods include fruit, vegetables, and lean protein

b)

Healthy foods

c)

Eating healthy foods is good for you

d)

Eating is necessary to sustain life

10.

What is the difference between topic and main idea? (main idea)

a)

Topic and main idea are the same thing.

b)

Topic is what the text is about; the main idea is what the author wants to tell you about the subject.

c)

Topic is the category and main idea is where it was written

d)

The main idea is the subject of a text; the topic is what the author wants to tell you about the main idea

11.

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

12.

Soccer is known in some countries as football. It is a popular sport across the world, with over 200 countries playing the sport. It is estimated that over 250 million people, both men and women, play soccer. The sport has been part of the Olympic games from 1900 to 1928 and from 1936 to today.
What is the main idea?

a)

Soccer is important at the Olympics.

b)

Soccer is a worldwide sport.

c)

Soccer is also called football.

d)

Soccer is played by men and women.

13.

"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

14.

If David pulls a face when he eats an anchovy, he is implying that he doesn't like anchovies.

a)

True

b)

False

15.

The lights dimmed, the music began, and the people became silent. What can you reasonable infer from this sentence?

a)

It was time for bed.

b)

The movie was about to start.

c)

The store was closing.

16.

We closed our eyes, held our breath, and held on tight. What can you reasonable infer from this sentence?

a)

We were riding our bikes.

b)

We were on a roller coaster.

c)

We were riding our bikes.

17.

Infer the meaning of the missing word:Tim is quite athletic, though his brother is unfortunately __________.

a)

fast

b)

tired

c)

uncoordinated

18.

Jenny jumped out of bed, looked out the ?window, and gasped. What can you ?reasonable infer from this sentence?

a)

There was a thunder storm outside.

b)

It was time for school.

c)

She was looking for her phone.

19.

Based on the photo, it could be inferred that the woman is...

a)

A. annoyed

b)

B. worried

c)

C. nervous

d)

D. confused

20.

Joseph wanted to buy some candy at the store, but he forgot his money at home. What do you think will happen next?

a)

He hopes that he will find money on the floor.

b)

He asks the candy seller to give him the candy and promise to bring the money the following day.

c)

He goes back home to get his money and buys the candy.

d)

Make a sad face maybe someone buys him candy.

21.

As usual, Jim left for school 10 minutes later than he should have. His shoelaces were untied and his backpack was unzipped. he had traveled only one block when he heard his mother shout out his name. He looked back and saw her waving his brown bag lunch. What can you infer from this passage?

a)

Jim is disorganized and forgetful.

b)

Jim is in the 4th grade.

c)

Jim takes the bus to school.

22.

What is an Inference?

a)

An educated guess based on evidences and our background knowledge.

b)

Is what the story is about.

c)

In when you find the similarity between two or more things.

d)

Is when you compare two or more things using the words like or as.

23.

Tomorrow is Jill's birthday. She is excited because she gets to pick where she will eat dinner. Will it be Mexican food at the Big Enchilada House? Or will it be fried chicken at the Chicken Shack, or a big cheeseburger at Al's Hamburger Palace. She just couldn't decide. Then there was always the Pizza Shop with that great pepperoni pizza. How would she ever decide? Maybe she would just flip a coin.
The Summary of this passage is:

a)

Jill has many restaurants to choose from for her birthday.

b)

Jill loves Mexican food.

c)

The Pizza Shop has the best pizza in town.

d)

Jill will choose a place by flipping a coin.

24.

Right now Jason was playing right field. He really wanted to play third base. Earlier this year, coach had put him in left field and second base in a game, but never at third base. Once in practice, coach let him play third base, but he kept missing ground balls. When he did stop one, he made a bad throw to first base. Maybe if he kept practicing, Jason would be good enough to play third base. That was his dream.
The Summary of this passage is:

a)

Jason really wanted to play third base.

b)

Jason was the best player on his team.

c)

Jason had trouble catching ground balls.

d)

Jason was too lazy to practice.

25.

San Francisco is located on the coast of California in an area often called the Bay Area. The weather is generally very mild, seldom getting really cold or really hot. Its mild climate is one reason many people live there. It seldom snows in San Francisco and generally does not get below freezing during the winter. Even in the middle of summer, temperatures may be in the mid 80s with a cool breeze from the bay keeping the weather very comfortable.
The Summary of this passage is:

a)

San Francisco has many neat things to do.

b)

It seldom snows in California.

c)

Many people choose to live in California.

d)

The weather in San Francisco is generally very mild.

26.

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.

27.

The main idea is supported by what?

a)

concluding sentences

b)

details

28.

What does the MAIN IDEA of a story tell the reader?

a)

The most important idea about a topic or a story.

b)

The conflict of the story

29.

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

30.

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.

31.

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.

32.

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.

33.

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

34.

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

35.

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.

36.

The main idea does not need supporting details.

a)

True

b)

False

37.

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.

38.

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

39.

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

a)

True

b)

False

40.

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.

41.

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

42.

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.

43.

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.

44.

A SUPPORTING detail explains the main idea in a paragraph. What does SUPPORT mean?

a)

to search and find

b)

to hold up and help

c)

to end

d)

to write

45.

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.

d)

Jenny was glad the nurses were being kind to her grandmother.

46.

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

47.

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

48.

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.

49.

In a spell of dry weather, when the Birds could find very little to drink, a thirsty Crow found a pitcher with a little water in it. But the pitcher was high and had a narrow neck, and no matter how he tried, the Crow could not reach the water. The poor thing felt as if he would die of thirst. Then an idea came to him. Picking up some small pebbles, he dropped them into the pitcher one by one. With each pebble the water rose a little higher until at last it was near enough so he could drink.
What is the theme?

a)

be persistent

b)

be honest

c)

always share with others

d)

respect your family

50.

In a spell of dry weather, when the Birds could find very little to drink, a thirsty Crow found a pitcher with a little water in it. But the pitcher was high and had a narrow neck, and no matter how he tried, the Crow could not reach the water. The poor thing felt as if he would die of thirst. Then an idea came to him. Picking up some small pebbles, he dropped them into the pitcher one by one. With each pebble the water rose a little higher until at last it was near enough so he could drink.
What is the theme?

a)

be persistent

b)

be honest

c)

always share with others

d)

respect your family

Quiz

Total questions: 50

Worksheet time: 3hrs 15mins

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