IREAD Nonfiction: Main Idea & Details 4

Question 1

A passage about the ocean states: 'The ocean covers more than 70% of Earth. It is home to millions of species. Oceans help control Earth's temperature. Scientists have explored less than 20% of the ocean.' What is the main idea?

Accepted Answer

The ocean is vast and plays a vital role on Earth.

Answer

The details about size, species, temperature control, and exploration all point to the ocean being large and important.

Question 2

A nonfiction article has a heading that reads 'How Seeds Travel.' The BEST main idea for this section would be —

Accepted Answer

Seeds can spread through wind, water, and animals.

Answer

The heading 'How Seeds Travel' signals that the main idea is about the methods seeds use to move from place to place.

Question 3

Read: 'George Washington Carver found hundreds of uses for peanuts, including soap, ink, and cooking oil. He also developed uses for sweet potatoes and soybeans.' A SUPPORTING DETAIL is —

Accepted Answer

Carver discovered that peanuts can be made into soap and ink.

Answer

Naming specific products like soap and ink from peanuts is a concrete detail that supports the main idea about Carver's discoveries.

Question 4

A student reads a long article and cannot find the main idea. The BEST strategy is to —

Accepted Answer

ask what most of the details have in common.

Answer

Finding what the details share in common leads to identifying the central message of the passage.

Question 5

Which detail does NOT belong in a paragraph with the main idea 'Exercise helps keep your body healthy'?

Accepted Answer

Some people prefer to exercise in the morning.

Answer

When people prefer to exercise is a preference, not a detail about health benefits, so it does not support the main idea.

(IREAD) Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination Practice Test

(IREAD) Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination Practice Test

IREAD Nonfiction: Main Idea & Details 4