Main Idea of Informational Text

Find the Main Idea:

Steel is a very important metal which is used for many things. In the United States, the automobile industry uses the most steel. Steel is used in constructing buildings. Cans and containers are made from steel. Steel is used to make farm and factory machines.

• The auto industry is the most important.

• Steel is used for many purposes.

• The United States produces the most steel in the world.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

When you read to gain information, look for the __________. That is the most important idea of a passage, or what the passage is mainly about.

• summarizing

• main idea

• inference

• supporting details

Tags

CCSS.RF.4.4A

CCSS.RF.4.4B

CCSS.RF.4.4C

CCSS.RF.5.3A

CCSS.RF.5.4C

The author will include __________ that support, or back up, the main idea.

• supporting details

• main idea

• inference

• summarizing

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.8

Determine the Main Idea.

Amibu has come a long way since his parents first introduced him to chess when he was 2 years old. His father, Hemant, played the game in college for fun, and decided to teach it to his son. Amibu was playing chess on an iPad shortly after learning to walk. By age 5, he was winning games against the computer. And two years later, Amibu surpassed his father's skill level.

• Amibu's parents pushed him to play chess when he was only 2.

• Amibu's father did not enjoy chess as much as Amibu.

• Amibu has won every chess game played against the computer starting from a young age.

• Amibu showed a special talent for playing chess at a young age

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

Read the following paragraph from an article about a famous Chess player.

Amibu's competitive nature keeps him focused. To win, he needs complete concentration and quiet. Those chatting in the background during a match risk being shushed by the 9-year-old.

HOW does this detail develop the author’s main idea?

• It explains why people sometimes distract chess players.

• It shows that Amibu can beat most adults at chess.

• It gives information about the people who watch chess matches.

• It describes what helps Amibu be successful at chess.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.1

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.8

Find the Main Idea:

There are about 2,000 species of bats. They come in many sizes. Bats are rather strange looking animals. They are soft and furry with large ears. Bats cannot run or walk. They usually eat insects. Bats are the only mammals that fly.

• Bats are unusual animals.

• Bats move by running and flying.

• Bats look like many other animals.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

The largest bird in the world is the ostrich. Although it is a bird, the ostrich is unable to fly. However, it can run as fast as a horse. The ostrich makes use of its feet and legs to protect itself. It kicks its enemies. Ostriches eat insects, mice, and snakes.

What is the purpose of the paragraph?

• to describe the smallest bird.

• to describe why the ostrich cant fly.

• to describe the largest bird.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

Find the Main Idea:

One of the best-known cartoonists in the world was Walt Disney. As a boy, Walt loved to draw. He moved to Hollywood and there he made cartoons. He was responsible for creating the characters of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto the dog, and others.

• Drawing cartoons makes you famous.

• Walt Disney made many well-known cartoon characters.

• Pluto is Disney's best-known cartoon character.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

Select the supporting detail that doesn't fit.

Main Idea: My cat is afraid of everything.

• He hides under the couch when you turn the microwave on.

• He sleeps all day long.

• He runs away when you sweep the floor.

• He jumps every time the doorbell rings.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

Which supporting detail best supports this main idea?

Dora the Explorer is an educational show for kids.

• She has a really cute monkey named Boots.

• Dora's purple backpack holds all of her tools.

• Dora helps teach kids Spanish words.

• She usually stops Swiper from swiping.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.8