WorksheetsNJSLA Prep RI.8.2 Central Ideas
Total questions: 10
Worksheet time: 20mins
What is a central idea?
the idea stated in the topic sentence
the theme of a piece of literature
a piece of informational text is mainly about someone
the main idea of a piece of informational text
What statement(s) is/are true about a central idea?
it can sometimes be found in the title of the text
it is supported by the details in the text
it covers the whole text
all of the above
When determining the central idea of a text, it is important not to confuse it with:
the topic
the detials
none of the above
both A and B
Stephen and Joseph Montgolfier were papermakers, but they had been interested in flying for many years. One night, in 1782, Joseph noticed something that gave him an idea. He was sitting in front of the fire when he saw some small pieces of scorched paper being carried up the chimney.
Soon afterwards, the brothers conducted an experiment. They lit a fire under a small silk bag, which was open at the bottom; at once, the bag rose to the ceiling. After this, Stephen and Joseph conducted many more experiments, both indoors and in the open air. Eventually, they built a huge balloon of linen and paper. On June 5th, 1783, they launched their balloon in the village of Annonay.
What is the central idea of this passage?
The Montgolfier brothers were papermakers who become famous
The Montgolfier brothers theorized that hot air can be used to propel a balloon into the air
The Montgolfier brothers lost their jobs as papermakers because they were obsessed with their balloon
The Montgolfier brothers liked to experiment
The Emperor Penguin is the only penguin species that breeds during the Antarctic winter. It treks 31-75 miles over the ice to breeding colonies, which may include thousands of penguins. The female lays a single egg, which is then incubated by the male while the female returns to the sea to feed; parents subsequently take turns foraging at sea and caring for their chick in the colony. The average lifespan of the Emperor Penguin is 20 years, although observations suggest that some Emperor Penguins may live to 50 years of age.
What is the central idea of the passage?
The movie, Happy Feet was inspired by Emperor Penguins
The male Emperor Penguin sits on the egg while the mother hunts for food
Female Emperor penguins lay their eggs in the Antarctic and both male and female take turns caring for the egg until it hatches
Emperor Penguins live over 50 years
Archaeology is the study of past human life and culture through systematically examining and interpreting the material remains left behind. These material remains include archaeological sites (e.g., settlements, building features, graves), as well as cultural materials or artifacts such as tools and pottery. Through the interpretation and classification of archaeological materials, archaeologists work to understand past human behavior. In some countries, archaeology is often historical or art historical, with a strong emphasis on culture history, archaeological sites, and artifacts such as art objects. In the New World, archaeology can be either a part of history and classical studies or anthropology.
The exact origins of archaeology as a discipline are uncertain. Excavations of ancient monuments and the collection of antiquities have been taking place for thousands of years. It was only in the 19th century, however, that the systematic study of the past through its physical remains underwent professionalization, which meant it began to be carried out in a manner recognizable to modern students of archaeology.
What is the central idea of this passage?
the study of the origin of archaeology
the study of archaeology
the study of modern archaeology and anthropology
the study of the human past
What does the passage suggest about archaeologists?
they study past human life and culture by examining materials left by early humans
they study humans and their interaction with their surroundings
they study humans and their families by looking at the things they left behind
they study art history
Quinoa is a grain like seed. It is considered a whole grain and is cooked in much the same way as rice. Quinoa has health benefits including nine essential amino acids and is cholesterol free. Additionally, quinoa is gluten-free and kosher. Quinoa is a good source of protein and easily digestible.
What is the central idea of the passage above?
the health benefits of quinoa
how to cook quinoa
why people should eat quinoa
why people should cook quinoa
Cooking quinoa is much like cooking rice. Depending on the sort of quinoa you purchase, you may have to rinse the seed-like spores before cooking. Be sure to check the label. Boil two cups of water, vegetable stock, chicken broth or other liquid of your choice. Add one cup of raw (rinsed if necessary) quinoa and simmer for about twenty minutes. It doesn't take long for quinoa to cook up moist and tender.
What is the central idea of this passage?
the health benefits of quinoa
how to cook quinoa
quinoa as a meat replacement
none of the above
University of California Berkeley scientists confirmed that a cluster of fossilized bones found in Silicon Valley are likely the remains of a mammoth. The giant beast would have roamed the area between 10,000 and 40,000 years ago. A pair of elephant-like tusks, a huge pelvic bone and the animal's rib cage were found by an amateur naturalist who was walking a dog along a canal near San Jose's Guadalupe River. It could be the remains of a Columbian mammoth, according to paleontologists who expect to study the site.
What is the central idea of the above passage?
Mammoth fossils have been found in the Silicon Valley
Fossils are in California
Mammoths roamed North America
Mammoths are roaming the Silicone Valley in California
Marathon
Training for a marathon takes hard work and perseverance. It is not something you can do on the spur of the moment. Preparing for a marathon takes months, particularly if you have never run a marathon before. The official distance of a full marathon is 26.2 miles. In 2005, the average time to complete a marathon in the United States was 4 hours 32 minutes 8 seconds for men and 5 hours 6 minutes 8 seconds for women.
Most people who run marathons are not trying to win. Many runners try to beat their own best time. Some compare their time to other runners in the same gender and age group. Some people set time-oriented goals, such as finishing under four hours, while others try to complete the race without slowing to a walk. Many beginners simply hope to finish the marathon.
Trainers recommend that beginners maintain a consistent running schedule for six weeks prior to even starting a marathon training program. The purpose of this is to allow the body to adapt to the various physical demands of long-distance running. First-time marathon runners should train by running four days a week for at least four months, increasing distance by no more than ten percent weekly. As race day approaches, runners should taper their runs, reducing the strain on their bodies and resting before the marathon. It is important not to overexert yourself during training because that can lead to a lot of injuries. Most common injuries are spraining of the knees and ankles. These sprains can hinder the training.
Before the race, it is important to stretch in order to keep muscles limber. Staying hydrated is also important, but there is a danger in drinking too much water. If a runner drinks too much water, they may experience a dangerous condition called hyponatremia, a drop of sodium levels in the blood. So only drink water when you are thirsty. During the race, trainers recommend maintaining a steady pace. It is normal to feel sore after a marathon. Light exercise will help sore muscles heal faster.
Some people run marathons in pairs or groups. Training for and running a marathon with another person or group of people can make the experience more enjoyable and more rewarding. A running partner might be just the motivation you need to show up for an early morning run instead of rolling over to hit the snooze button. And, when you cross the finish line together, you can share the satisfaction of reaching your common goal.
Usually, thousands of people sign up and run a marathon. Most people finish the race. The thrill of running a marathon for the first time is unbelievable. The training sessions are harder if you have never run before. But it is unbelievable what ones body can do when one puts their mind to it. Having a good coach to support you makes all the difference in training for a marathon.
The daily runs are very important. Strength training and core training are also very important. The health benefits you gain from training are tremendous. Your core muscles grow stronger, and you will have tighter thighs and gluts. Your heart will be much stronger, and you can maintain lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Overall, you will look better and become healthier.
Nothing can explain how people feel when they reach that finish line at the end of the race. All the hard work and months of training feel worthwhile. The feeling of accomplishing something great overtakes you. It is great to run a marathon, but it is even greater to finish it.
How would you go about determining the central idea of this passage?
read the title
read the passage
pay attention to the details
all of the above
What is the central idea of the passage?
the health benefits of running of a marathon
how to run a marathon
what it takes to prepare for and run a marathon
none of the above
