It is important to find main ideas when reading. Main ideas help readers remember important information.
The main idea of a paragraph tells the topic of the paragraph. The topic tells what all or most of the sentences are about.

The other sentences in the paragraph are called details. Details describe or explain the main idea.

Main idea

Practicing exercise

1.      The rain forest is home to many creatures. Monkeys, toucans and macaws live in the rain forest. Blue Morpho butterflies and anteaters also live in the rain forest.

A) Sloths and tapirs are other creatures that live in the rain forest.

B) The rain forest is home to many creatures.

C) Monkeys, toucans and macaws live in the rain forest.

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.

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

B) Soccer players learn how to dribble.

C) Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.

3.      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.

(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.

Main idea

Practicing exercise-Answer key

1. B

2. C

3. A

Main idea

Quiz

I. What’s the Main Idea?

Main Idea Bank

• Favorite foods

• Toys

• Summer

• Television

• School

• Farm

• Christmas

• Store

Directions: Write the main idea for each list of words.

1. The Main Idea:__________________________________

Cartoons

on Saturday morning 

movies 

my favorite show

2. The Main Idea:__________________________________

pizza

French fries

nuggets

3. The Main Idea:__________________________________

trains

squirt guns

basketballs

4. The Main Idea:__________________________________

swimming

vacations

no school

5. The Main Idea:__________________________________

money

customers

clothes

6. The Main Idea:__________________________________

Santa Claus

gifts

tree

7. The Main Idea:__________________________________

animals

barn

crops

8. The Main Idea:__________________________________

teacher

desks

pencils

Main idea

Quiz-Answer key

1. Television

2. Favorite foods

3. Toys

4. Vacation

5. Store

6. Christmas

7. Farm

8. School

Main idea

Test 

I. Read the passage below then answer the questions:

Daniel Shays was a man that fought to protect his views. During the American Revolution, he fought to break away from Britain. He believed that Britain was taking unfair advantage of the colonies with taxes, forced housing of Redcoat soldiers, among other things. After the war, Daniel Shays fought again to protect his views. The Massachusetts government was deep in debt due to the cost of the Revolution. The legislature passed a hefty tax to pay the debt. Daniel Shays believed that the tax was an unfair burden to the farmers in the west. Therefore, in September of 1786, Daniel Shays and his followers tried to prevent the state from imposing the tax. They tried to seize the Springfield arsenal to get weapons for their cause. However, the militia stopped Shays' Rebellion.

1. What is the central theme of the passage?
A. taxes
B. The American Revolution
C. Daniel Shays fights for his views.
D. Shays' Rebellion

2. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. However, the militia stopped Shays' Rebellion.
B. Daniel Shays was a man that fought to protect his views.
C. Daniel Shays believed that the tax was an unfair burden to the farmers in the west.
D. Therefore, in September of 1786, Daniel Shay and his followers tried to prevent the state from imposing the tax.

The first amendment provides five basic rights to all Americans. One of the rights is the freedom of assembly. Americans can meet together, in a peaceful manner, without fear of government intervention. Third, Americans have the right to a free press. This means that Americans can print the truth without fear of punishment for exposing negative views. We also have the right to our own religion. The government cannot interfere with our worship to God. These rights have become very dear to Americans.

3. What is the central theme of the paragraph above?
A. Freedom of assembly
B. Freedom of religion
C. Rights of Americans
D. Power of American 

4. What is the main idea of the paragraph above?
A. The first amendment provides five basic rights to all Americans.
B. We also have the right to our own religion.
C. This means that Americans can print the truth without fear of punishment for exposing negative views.
D. Americans have the right to do whatever they want to do.

5. Which of the following could be added as a supporting detail to the passage?
A. The government can make Americans vote in elections.
B. The freedom of speech allows Americans to share their opinions.
C. The government has laws that prevent freedom of speech.
D. Americans are proud because they have a good President. 

There are many great figures in the history of America. Yet, none seem to be so remembered as George Washington. He served as the Commander in Chief of the American forces during the Revolution. He made a reputation for himself and eventually became the first president of the United States. He set many precedents for future presidents and got the new country off and running. People will remember George Washington for his bravery as Commander in Chief, and for his decision making skills as President.

6. What is the central theme of the paragraph above?
A. George Washington
B. figures in American history
C. Abraham Lincoln
D. Commander in Chief 

7. What is the main idea of the passage above?
A. He set many precedents for future presidents and got the new country off and running.
B. People will remember George Washington for his bravery as Commander in Chief, and for his decision making skills as President.
C. Abraham Lincoln was an important man.
D. Sam Houston was the first President of the United States.

8. Which of the following could be added to the passage as a supporting detail?
A. George Washington wanted to be as powerful as a King, and abused his position as president.
B. George Washington tried to set a good example as president.
C. Washington was tall, thin, and handsome.

D. Abraham Lincoln was a better president than Washington.

Main idea

Test –Answer key

1. c

2. b

3. c

4. a

5. b

6. a

7. b

8. b