WorksheetsCentral Idea: Informational
Total questions: 14
Worksheet time: 1hrs 2mins
What is the CENTRAL IDEA of a nonfiction text?
What the text is MOSTLY about.
A full paragraph SUMMARY of a text.
The type of CONFLICT used throughout a text.
The meaning of an unknown word/phrase.
In a well-written paragraph, where is the central idea often found?
a. In the last sentence
b. In the middle of the paragraph
c. In the first or last sentence
d. It's never directly stated
What are supporting details for the central idea?
Irrelevant information that distracts from the central idea
Examples that contradict the central idea
Specific pieces of information that support or explain the central idea of a text.
Opinions that challenge the central idea
Why are supporting details important in understanding the central idea?
Supporting details distract from the central idea.
Supporting details are irrelevant to the central idea.
Supporting details confuse the central idea.
Supporting details provide evidence and examples that clarify and reinforce the central idea.
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.
Leopards are losing their homes
The destruction of the rain forest is harming humans and animals.
The destruction of the rain forest is a controversial subject
Forests provide oxygen for humans and animals
Find the central idea.
Being a clown isn't all fun and games. Rodeo clowns expose themselves to great danger every time they perform. When cowboys dismount or are bucked off of bulls at riding competitions, rodeo clowns jump in front of the bulls and motion wildly to get their attention. In this way rodeo clowns provide an alternate target, and in doing so protect the rider. So you see, sometimes clowning around can be serious business
Being a clown isn't all fun and games.
Rodeo clowns protect cowboys by putting themselves in danger.
Rodeos are exciting.
Clowns are good at riding bulls.
Read the following paragraph:
"Recycling is an important way to help our planet. When we recycle, we reduce the amount of waste in landfills. It also helps conserve natural resources by reusing materials. Recycling can save energy and reduce pollution too. Everyone can make a difference by recycling at home and school."
What is the central idea of this paragraph?
a. Landfills are full of waste
b. Natural resources are limited
c. Recycling is beneficial for the environment
d. Schools should have recycling programs
Hurricanes are large, intense storms that begin over the ocean, where they gather heat and energy from the water. Hurricanes move slowly toward land, usually moving 10-20 miles per hour for more than one week. The most dangerous part of the hurricane is the storm surge, when it reaches land and causes flooding. Wind and waves also contribute to the damage caused by these surges.
What is the main idea?
Hurricanes are dangerous storms.
Hurricanes begin over the ocean
One type of storm is called a hurricane
Hurricanes are different from other storms.
Wilbur and Orville Wright were brothers who were inventors, even from a young age when they built kites and bicycles. Many people credit the Wright Brothers with designing and building the first successful airplane. In 1903, their first flight only lasted 12 seconds, but it continues to inspire people all over the world to learn about science and math, to work hard to realize their dreams, and to use imagination to achieve success.
What is the main idea?
The Wright Brothers worked hard
The Wright Brothers were inventors who have inspired many people.
Inventors build kites and bicycles
The first flight was in 1903
What is the central idea?
What is the central idea?
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.
Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.
Soccer players learn how to control the ball so they can score.
Soccer players learn how to dribble.
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 central idea?
Sometimes people feel sad.
We're not always happy.
You should do good things for others.
There are many ways to make yourself feel better.
Americans like toast, eggs, and cereal. In China people eat congee, a thick rice. People in Japan often have a soup called miso. Pancakes made from lentil beans are favored in India. Bread and coffee with milk are the most popular breakfast foods in France. Breakfast around the world is a matter of different tastes.
What is the main idea (central idea)?
people in China and Japan like different foods
cereal is a popular breakfast food in the United States
people eat different foods for breakfast around the world
Wolves are born small. However, they grow up to be lean and strong. At birth, wolves weigh only about a pound. It can take them around eight or more months to have to size and coordination needed to start hunting. Adult wolves are the size of large dogs, weighing about 90 pounds on average. The biggest wolves can weigh twice as much. Adult wolves also have long legs and large paws. A fully grown wolf's paws are usually five or six inches long and several inches wide.
Select all that apply.
What are key details that support the main idea of the passage?
Adult wolves have long legs and large paws.
Wolves are born small but grow up to be lean and strong.
Although born as small cubs, wolves can grow to be twice the size as large dogs.
A wolf's thick coat helps it to survive in the winter.
