WorksheetsCentral Idea - Academic Language
Total questions: 10
Worksheet time: 5mins
What is the central idea of a passage?
A detail mentioned in the beginning of the passage
The main message or point the author wants to convey
An interesting fact included in the text
A side note that adds extra information
If information in a passage is explicit, it means that it is:
Implied
Stated clearly and directly
Only suggested
Hidden or subtle
What does the word “implied” mean in reading comprehension?
Information that is clearly stated
Something you can ignore
Information that is suggested but not directly stated
A direct quote from the text
Which sentence most clearly suggests the theme of friendship?
Tom looked out the window as the rain fell.
Lucy stood by her friend even when others didn’t believe him.
The sun set over the quiet town.
Several people gathered at the park for a picnic.
When identifying the central idea, you should focus on:
Details that seem unrelated to the main events
Supporting details that help reinforce the main message
Descriptions of the setting
Random quotes from the passage
If a detail supports the central idea, it means that the detail:
Adds humor to the passage
Is unrelated to the main idea
Helps reinforce the main message of the passage
Contradicts the main idea
Which of the following sentences is an example of an explicit detail?
She looked at the mountain, wondering if she could climb it.
He was the best in his class, winning several awards.
The house stood silently, as if holding secrets.
She hoped he would understand her unspoken words.
In the sentence, “The author most clearly suggests that the character feels nervous,” what does “suggests” mean?
States explicitly
Implies with a hint
Ignores completely
Describes in detail
What does it mean when a detail is described as "supporting" the central idea?
It contradicts the main message.
It reinforces or backs up the main idea.
It confuses the reader about the main idea.
It is not important to understanding the text.
If the central idea is implied, you can find it by:
Only reading the first and last sentences of the passage
Identifying explicit statements
Looking for clues in supporting details and context
Ignoring any supporting details
