Main Idea

WHAT IS THE MAIN IDEA OF THE PASSAGE?

Did you know that paper airplanes were first created in Japan and Ancient China? A paper plane is a toy airplane fashioned from paper. The paper is creased, or doubled over, in a specific manner so that the folded paper actually glides. This is a form of origami; the Japanese art of paper folding. Paper planes were originally created for testing real airplanes. The Wright brothers actually tested miniature paper airplanes, modeled after their own design, prior to building their first airplane. Today the constructing of paper planes is viewed more as a pastime and a craft.

• Toy planes can be designed from folding paper

• It can be dangerous to fold paper planes

• The steps in folding a paper plane

• How to test a real airplane design

WHAT IS THE MAIN IDEA OF THIS PASSAGE?

Before the invention of the toothbrush, people used a twig with a frayed end, also known as a “chew stick,” to brush their teeth. Today’s toothbrush is designed with a solid plastic handle with either a fixed or flexible brush at one end. Toothpaste is typically added to a toothbrush to assist in maintaining good oral hygiene. Both toothpaste and toothbrushes come in a vast assortment of colors, shapes, and sizes. Utilizing appealing, or attractive, toothbrushes can make tooth brushing enjoyable and lead your child in attaining perfect oral health.

• A toothbrush is for a dentist

• Buying a nice toothbrush is an important to your daily routine

• A toothbrush is a tool to help you maintain oral hygiene

• There are a variety of toothbrushes and toothpastes

WHAT IS THE MAIN IDEA OF THE PASSAGE?

Everyday we encounter things made of plastic at home, school, work, and play. Have you ever wondered how that spork in the school cafeteria, folder in your backpack, computer keyboard on your desk, or slide in your backyard were made? A plastic is a substance created from natural materials such as cellulose and crude oil. Some plastics are fashioned only when they are newly constructed while others can be altered by heating or melting. Since plastic can vary in shape, or form, the number of products that are created from plastic is endless.

• Different plastics can be utilized to manufacture different products

• Many items can be made of plastic and other petroleum products

• Some can be shaped only when they are freshly made

• The process used to make plastic is complex and requires many scientific concepts

WHAT IS THE MAIN IDEA OF THIS PASSAGE?

Coral snakes have notable red, yellow/white, and black colored banding. It is the order of the bands that is noted for distinguishing between venomous and the non-venomous mimics from which mnemonic devices such as “Yellow, Red, Stop!” originates. Most species of coral snakes are slightly different in size. North American coral snakes average around 3 feet (91 cm) in length, but varieties of up to 5 feet (150 cm) or slightly larger have been reported. Aquatic species have flattened tails acting as a fin, assisting in swimming.

• Different types and species of North American snakes

• The habitats and ecosystems of North American coral snakes

• The color patterns found on diverse coral snake species

• A description of coral snakes including different species

WHAT IS THE MAIN IDEA OF THIS PASSAGE?

Summer can be scorching with temperatures peaking above 100 degrees. However, a swimming pool is an excellent means to combat the heat. Floating in the water provides a cool and refreshing relief from the high temperature. Splashing about in the depths of crystal clear water helps to battle the overwhelming heat. Grab a friend and head down to the pool this summer for a welcome respite from the summer sun!

• The joy and dangers of swimming in the heat of the summer

• Safe ways to avoid dangerous sun exposure on your skin

• The overwhelming temperatures that humans experience during summer

• A fun way to solve the problem of summertime heat

WHAT IS THE MAIN IDEA OF THE PASSAGE?

In 1783, America won the American Revolutionary War against Britain. This global war, or conflict, stemmed from America fighting to be liberated from British rule. Victory guaranteed independence to the Thirteen Colonies while also granting them freedom to create their own laws and inaugurate their own country.

• America wanted to make their own laws

• How America creates its own laws

• Why America fought against Britain

• How America won the war against Britain

WHAT IS THE MAIN IDEA OF THIS PASSAGE?

Early Americans were of the conviction, or belief, that a king should not reign over people. Instead, they stood firm on the principle that laws should govern the land. They believed people should comply with laws, not the command of a king. Thus the U.S. Constitution was established to create a government of fundamental laws from which it would be governed.

• The reason that Americans created the Constitution

• How Americans created the Constitution

• A king ruled America

• People should obey laws

WHAT IS THE MAIN IDEA OF THIS PASSAGE?

Costume designers are artists who possess strong artistic capabilities and have a thorough knowledge of pattern development and fashion history. A designer first begins by creating a sketch of a costume for a specific character or time period. Then the designer uses color, design, and texture to enhance their drawings. Finally, the costume is created from the designer’s drawing.

• Artists use paints, pencils, and computers

• Costumes are special clothes for movies

• Costume designers are skilled artists

• Costume design are a needed part of theater