Finding the Main Idea Quiz

What is one way of understanding nonfiction texts?

• Define the main idea and supporting details.

• Write a fictional story.

• Memorize the entire text.

• Ignore supporting details.

What is the main idea of a text?

• The most interesting part of the text

• The most important point the author wants you to understand

• The longest sentence in the text

• The first sentence of the text

Which of the following is an example of a main idea?

• Volcanoes are beautiful

• Volcanoes are dangerous

• Volcanoes are tall

• Volcanoes are old

What are supporting details?

• Details that give more information about the main idea

• Details that are not related to the main idea

• Details that are the main idea

• Details that are the title of the text

Which of the following would be a supporting detail for the idea that volcanoes are dangerous?

• Volcanoes are found in many countries

• Hot lava can destroy buildings

• Volcanoes are made of rock

• Volcanoes are studied by scientists

What is one formula for finding the main idea?

• Main Idea = Topic + What the author is saying about it

• Main Idea = Topic + Conclusion

• Main Idea = Topic + Supporting Details

• Main Idea = Topic + Summary

“Rainforests are home to more than half of the world’s plant and animal species. They help the Earth by producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide. Sadly, many rainforests are being cut down.”
What is the main idea of the passage about rainforests?

• Rainforests are home to many species and are being destroyed.

• Rainforests are only found in tropical areas.

• Rainforests are not important to the Earth's ecosystem.

• Rainforests are increasing in size.

“Rainforests are home to more than half of the world’s plant and animal species. They help the Earth by producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide. Sadly, many rainforests are being cut down.”
According to the passage, what role do rainforests play in the environment?

• They produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide.

• They are used for logging and agriculture.

• They are home to only a few species.

• They are not affected by human activities.

Where is the main idea often found in a passage?

• In the middle of the paragraph

• In the first or last sentence

• Only in the first sentence

• Only in the last sentence

Which of the following is a clue word for identifying the main idea in a test question?

• "Best example"

• "Mostly about"

• "Least important"

• "Next step"