Main Idea and Key Details Quiz

The main idea is what the story is ______________ about.

• mostly

• only

• never

• very

Answer explanation

The main idea is what the story is mostly about.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

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?

• There are many fun things to do at the beach.

• It is also fun to look for shells.

• Some people simply like to sunbathe.

• Going to the beach to swim can be fun.

Answer explanation

The main idea is that there are many fun things to do at the beach, including swimming, snorkeling, playing beach volleyball, looking for shells, and sunbathing.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

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?

• They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score.

• Soccer players learn how to dribble.

• They learn how to work together as teammates.

• Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.

Answer explanation

Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer because they learn how to dribble, pass, control the ball, and work together with teammates.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

Where in the text can you sometimes find the main idea?

• Beginning/end

• Middle 

Answer explanation

The main idea can sometimes be found at the beginning or end of the text, making these sections important for understanding the overall message.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

Key details give important information to support the main idea.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Key details provide important information to support the main idea, therefore the statement is true.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

Which sentence is a supporting detail that you should get enough sleep?

• Many people sleep later on the weekends.

• Caffeine keeps some people awake at night.

• Dark rooms are best for sleeping.

• Seven to nine hours keeps you refreshed the next day.

Answer explanation

Seven to nine hours keeps you refreshed the next day is the supporting detail that emphasizes the importance of getting enough sleep.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.1

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.8

Which supporting detail best supports this topic sentence?
It takes a lot of hard work to become a professional athlete. 

• The pros live the good life.

• People like professional football players make a lot of money.

• Professional athletes spend countless hours practicing their sports.

• All of us can be professional athletes. 

Answer explanation

The best supporting detail for the topic sentence is that professional athletes spend countless hours practicing their sports.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.1

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.8

Which supporting detail best supports this topic sentence?
Subway is a healthier option than McDonald's.

• It's best to just cook food at home.

• A lot of people choose to eat Subway for lunch and dinner.

• McDonald's french fries are salty and delicious.

• Subway uses fresh ingredients whereas McDonald's has processed fried food.

Answer explanation

The supporting detail that best supports the topic sentence is that Subway uses fresh ingredients whereas McDonald's has processed fried food.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.1

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.8

Mount Rushmore is a huge carving in a stone cliff. The carving shows the faces of four U.S. presidents. They are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Mount Rushmore is in South Dakota. Each year many people visit this amazing sight.

What is a detail that tells about the main idea?

• how the four presidents were chosen

• why Mount Rushmore is in South Dakota

• which presidents are at Mount Rushmore

Answer explanation

The correct choice is highlighted as it mentions which presidents are at Mount Rushmore.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.1

CCSS.RI.4.2

What is the main idea of the text?

The kangaroo is an interesting animal. Many things make it truly special. Even though it cannot walk backwards, and doesn’t run, it hops like a bouncing ball on very strong hind legs. It can also leap 30 feet, and travel at speeds up to 30 miles per hour. The kangaroo is also special because it is an animal that carries its baby, called a joey, in a pouch. When the joey is born, it is the size of a lima bean! It travels up its mother’s fur to the pouch, where it lives until it is about 10 months old. During these 10 months, the joey leaves the pouch to eat, play and learn how to be a kangaroo. When the joey is afraid, it will jump head first into its mother’s pouch. Kangaroos are grass-eating animals, and can live with very little water. They have very few enemies, called predators.

• Kangaroos are grass-eating animals.

• Joeys are often afraid.

• Kangaroos are interesting and special animals.

Answer explanation

Kangaroos are interesting and special animals because of their unique characteristics like hopping, carrying joeys in pouches, and having few predators.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2