Free Printable 5th grade- Main idea & Text Evidence

1.

What is the main idea of this passage?

The word "bonsai" means a tree or a plant that has been carefully cultivated in a container to look like nature in miniature. The art of growing a bonsai combines horticultural techniques, or the science of growing plants with artistic expression. The balance between the tree and the pot is very important. For the most realistic look, the depth of the pot should be about the same as the diameter of the trunk.

a)

A plant that has been carefully cultivated in a container to look like nature in miniature.

b)

The word "bonsai" means a tree or plant.

c)

The balance between the tree and the pot is very important.

d)

The art of growing a bonsai combines horticultural techniques with artistic expression.

2.

What is the best piece of evidence to support your main idea?

The word "bonsai" means a tree or a plant that has been carefully cultivated in a container to look like nature in miniature. The art of growing a bonsai combines horticultural techniques, or the science of growing plants with artistic expression. The balance between the tree and the pot is very important. For the most realistic look, the depth of the pot should be about the same as the diameter of the trunk.

a)

For the most realistic look, the depth of the pot should be about the same as the diameter of the trunk.

b)

The balance between the tree and the pot is very important.

c)

The art of growing a bonsai combines horticultural techniques, or the science of growing plants with artistic expression.

d)

The word "bonsai" means a tree or a plant that has been carefully cultivated in a container to look like nature in miniature.

3.

What is the topic of this passage?

The word "bonsai" means a tree or a plant that has been carefully cultivated in a container to look like nature in miniature. The art of growing a bonsai combines horticultural techniques, or the science of growing plants with artistic expression. The balance between the tree and the pot is very important. For the most realistic look, the depth of the pot should be about the same as the diameter of the trunk.

a)

horticulture

b)

artistic expression

c)

bonsai tree

d)

realistic like nature

4.

What is the main idea of the passage?

Bonsai have an interesting history. The word "bonsai" is Japanese, but the art of bonsai originated in China. People have been growing bonsai for well over a thousand years in both China and Japan. Originally they were probably trees collected from wild, mountainous regions of the East that had been dwarfed by the harsh climate of their habitats. These trees were planted in decorative pots and given as exquisite gifts. Bonsai were originally a project of the elite. But in 1909 they were seen at an exhibition in London, and their popularity began to grow. Nowadays there are bonsai societies throughout the world.

a)

Bonsai were originally a project of the elite.

b)

People have been growing bonsai for well over a thousand years in both China and Japan.

c)

Nowadays there are bonsai societies throughout the world.

d)

Bonsai have an interesting history.

5.

What is the topic of this passage?

Bonsai have an interesting history. The word "bonsai" is Japanese, but the art of bonsai originated in China. People have been growing bonsai for well over a thousand years in both China and Japan. Originally they were probably trees collected from wild, mountainous regions of the East that had been dwarfed by the harsh climate of their habitats. These trees were planted in decorative pots and given as exquisite gifts. Bonsai were originally a project of the elite. But in 1909 they were seen at an exhibition in London, and their popularity began to grow. Nowadays there are bonsai societies throughout the world.

a)

bonsai

b)

exhibit

c)

bonsai history

d)

Japan

6.

What idea best supports the main idea of this passage?

Bonsai have an interesting history. The word "bonsai" is Japanese, but the art of bonsai originated in China. People have been growing bonsai for well over a thousand years in both China and Japan. Originally they were probably trees collected from wild, mountainous regions of the East that had been dwarfed by the harsh climate of their habitats. These trees were planted in decorative pots and given as exquisite gifts. Bonsai were originally a project of the elite. But in 1909 they were seen at an exhibition in London, and their popularity began to grow. Nowadays there are bonsai societies throughout the world.

a)

The word "bonsai" is Japanese, but the art of bonsai originated in China.

b)

People have been growing bonsai for well over a thousand years in both China and Japan.

c)

Bonsai were originally a project of the elite.

d)

Nowadays there are bonsai societies throughout the world.

7.

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.

8.

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.

9.

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.

10.

If I wanted to teach someone how to tie their laces what text structure would I use?

a)

Description

b)

How to Sequence

c)

Sequence

d)

Problem Solution

11.

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

12.

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

13.

Mark wanted to be a great skater. But he didn't want to spend the hours practicing. He wished he could just do the tricks easily. Mark's dream was to have everyone stop and stare when he entered the skate park. He wanted them to say, "Mark is the best skater in the whole world."
What is the main idea?

a)

Mark wants everyone to think he's a great skater without doing the hard work.

b)

Mark practices very hard to become a great skater.

c)

Mark is the best skater at the park.

d)

Mark wants to learn how to skate so he can compete.

14.

No matter the circumstances, a loyal friend will always be there for you.

a)

Main Idea

b)

Theme

15.

Even though it had been a terrible day, Tiffany came home in a pleasant mood hoping to have a good night.

a)

Main Idea

b)

Theme

16.

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

17.

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

18.

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.
What is the main idea?

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.

19.

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.

20.

The main idea is supported by what?

a)

topics

b)

details

c)

monkeys

d)

periods

21.

The main idea does not need supporting details.

a)

True

b)

False

22.

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.

23.

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

24.

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

a)

True

b)

False

25.

"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

5th grade- Main idea & Text Evidence

Total questions: 25

Worksheet time: 51mins

Similar Resources on Wayground