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Central idea practice

Total questions: 45

Worksheet time: 1hrs 7mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

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 central 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.
2.

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 central 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.
3.
The main idea of a text is...
a)
what the text is a little bit about
b)
what the text is never about
c)
what the text is sometimes telling you
d)
what the text is mostly, or mainly, about
4.

What at is the central idea of this paragraph?

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.

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.
5.

The central idea is supported by....

a)

concluding sentences

b)

relevant details

6.

The central idea of a passage/text is....

a)

what the text is a little bit about

b)

what the text is sometimes telling you

c)

what the text is never about

d)

what the text is mostly or mainly about

7.

What might be the central idea of a book titled "Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables?"

a)

Tomatoes are good for you.

b)

Strawberries have seeds on the outside.

c)

It's important to eat vegetables and fruit.

d)

Spinach is good for your bones.

8.

Supporting details....

a)

are pointless when determining the central idea

b)

just give more information

c)

do not support the central idea

d)

help prove the central idea (evidence)

9.

Do you think this sentence implies a theme or a central idea? Even if someone has something else that you want, you should still be thankful for what you have.

a)

Theme

b)

Central Idea

10.

Central idea and main idea are the same thing.

a)

YES

b)

NO

c)

NO WAY

11.

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 central 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.
12.

The central idea of a text is...

a)
what the text is a little bit about
b)
what the text is never about
c)
what the text is sometimes telling you
d)
what the text is mostly, or mainly, about
13.
What at is the main idea of this paragraph?

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.
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.
14.

The central idea of a passage/text is....

a)

what the text is a little bit about

b)

what the text is sometimes telling you

c)

what the text is never about

d)

what the text is mostly or mainly about

15.

What might be the central idea of a book titled "Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables?"

a)

Tomatoes are good for you.

b)

Strawberries have seeds on the outside.

c)

It's important to eat vegetables and fruit.

d)

Spinach is good for your bones.

16.

Supporting details....

a)

are pointless when determining the central idea

b)

just give more information

c)

do not support the central idea

d)

help prove the central idea (evidence)

17.

Do you think this sentence implies a theme or a central idea? It was a rainy day, and mom had to get creative to keep the kids from getting too bored.

a)

Theme

b)

Central idea

18.

Do you think this sentence implies a theme or a central idea? Even if someone has something else that you want, you should still be thankful for what you have.

a)

Theme

b)

Central idea

19.

What is the central idea?

a)
Its the authors point of view
b)
Is what the passage is mostly about
c)
It is the sequence of the story.
d)

Topic + point

20.
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.
21.
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.
22.
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.
23.
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.
24.
Which supporting detail best supports this topic sentence?
Dora the Explorer is an educational show for kids.
a)
She has a really cute monkey named Boots.
b)
Dora's purple backpack holds all of her tools.
c)
Dora helps teach kids Spanish words.
d)
She usually stops Swiper from swiping. 
25.

Select ALL relevant details that support central idea:

It is important to wear your seatbelt.

a)

All cars have seatbelts.

b)

A seatbelt can keep you safe in a car crash.

c)

Children should sit in the back seat.

d)

Seatbelts hold our hips and shoulders in place, preventing further injuries.

26.

Select ALL relevant details that support the central idea:

There are many things you can do to care for your teeth.

a)

You can floss to clean between your teeth.

b)

Toothpaste comes in many flavors.

c)

Teeth help you chew food.

d)

You can brush your teeth every morning and night.

27.

Lightning is a dangerous act of nature.

a)

A lightning strike can light up the sky.

b)

Lightning kills over 70 people per year.

c)

Lightning and thunder can happen in a storm.

28.

It is important to take steps to avoid getting sick.

a)

Sometimes when you are sick you will have a fever.

b)

You should wash your hands to stop the spread of germs.

c)

Walking is good exercise.

29.

We need the sun to live on Earth.

a)

The sun is a star.

b)

The sun is huge.

c)

The sun gives us light and heat.

30.

It is important to wear your seatbelt.

a)

All cars have seatbelts.

b)

A seatbelt can keep you safe in a car crash.

c)

Children should sit in the back seat.

31.

There are many changes that come with spring.

a)

Spring is the best season.

b)

Leaves and flowers start to grow on trees again.

c)

The four seasons are spring, summer, fall, and winter.

32.

Growing a garden takes a lot of work.

a)

You need to plant seeds and water them.

b)

Gardens can grow flowers, fruits, or vegetables.

c)

Gardening gloves keep your hands clean.

33.

Boxing is a dangerous sport.

a)

All boxers are the same size.

b)

Each year, thousands of people get hurt while boxing.

c)

Boxers wear big gloves.

d)

Boxing is fun to watch.

34.

Ostriches are the largest bird.

a)

Ostriches can run as fast as a horse.

b)

Ostriches use their feet and legs to protect themselves.

c)

Ostriches don't really make good pets.

d)

Ostriches are up to 9 feet tall.

35.

Florida is a great state for a vacation.

a)

Florida is home to Disney World.

b)

Florida is south of Georgia.

c)

Florida is in the United States.

d)

People speak many languages in Florida.

36.

Hamsters are a popular pet.

a)

Hamsters are 5-6 inches long.

b)

Hamsters are clean.

c)

100,000 hamsters were sold in pet stores last year.

d)

Hamsters eat vegetables and grains.

37.

The eel looks somewhat like a snake.

a)

Eels live in water.

b)

Eels are very long and thin.

c)

Some eels can electrocute people.

d)

Eels are not a popular pet.

38.

Pirates were robbers at sea.

a)

Pirates sailed on ships.

b)

"The Pirates" is a common sports team name.

c)

Pirates flew flags with skulls and crossbones.

d)

Pirates stole gold from other ships.

39.

Africa is home to many kinds of animals.

a)

Lions, giraffes, zebras, and elephants live in Africa.

b)

Fish can live in oceans and rivers.

c)

Africa is the second-largest continent.

d)

You can see many animals at the zoo.

40.

Exercising regularly is good for your health.

a)

You should exercise for 30 minutes a day.

b)

There are many different ways you can exercise.

c)

Exercise makes your muscles and heart stronger.

d)

Exercising with friends is fun.

41.

What is the central idea of the passage?


Millions of acres of tropical rainforest have been destroyed. Many animals and people lose their homes when the rain forest is cut down. Today, people are destroying the forests so quickly that the animals are unable to adapt. Many of these animals, such as the leopard, need miles and miles of untouched rain forest in order to live. Furthermore, as more of the rainforest is destroyed, the risk of air pollution and loss of oxygen increases.

a)

Leopards are losing their homes

b)

The destruction of the rain forest is harming humans and animals.

c)

The destruction of the rain forest is an interesting subject

d)

Forests provide oxygen for humans and animals

42.

What is the central idea of the passage?


Thomas Edison’s life span is known as “The age of Edison.” If it wasn’t for Thomas Edison, we might not have electric lights, telephones, movie cameras, or computers! Think of all the ways these great products affect our lives today. Edison held over 1,000 patents and received dozens of awards during his lifetime for his inventions and contributions to science.

a)

The light bulb was an important invention

b)

Thomas Edison was an important inventor

c)

Thomas Edison was an excellent student

d)

Creating inventions is a difficult process

43.

What is the central idea of the passage?


In 1969, Apollo 11’s successful landing on the moon was seen on TV all around the world. At last, men had walked on the moon for the first time ever! Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin became famous American heroes. This mission was a great achievement for the U.S. space program, and led to six more Apollo flights in the years to come. The mission's success also led to further deep space explorations by the United States and other countries around the world.

a)

Apollo 11’s landing was an important moment in history

b)

Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin are heroes

c)

People were surprised about Apollo 11's success

d)

Millions watched the Apollo 11 moon landing

44.

What is the central idea of the passage?


In training to be a knight, a person was expected to study hard and learn good manners. They were taught to play musical instruments, sing, and recite poetry. They also studied reading, writing, geometry, and strategy games. Another knight would then teach the person to shoot a bow and arrow, fight with a sword, and ride a horse. To say the least, knights had a well-rounded education.

a)

Knights learned a variety of subjects while training

b)

Knights were very talented individuals

c)

Knights were very hard working

d)

Sword fighting was the most important subject a knight learned

45.
We often let others know what we are thinking without using words. The name that we give for this kind of communication is body language. Body language includes gestures, facial expressions, and posture. Body language does not always mean the same thing to everyone.
What is the main idea of the paragraph?
a)
We sometimes use words to express ourselves.
b)
Body language may not mean the same thing to everyone.
c)
We use body language to communicate with others.
d)
Body language includes gestures, facial expression, and posture.