Reading Main Idea Flashcards

A paragraph lists reasons a new park should be built, then states 'The town clearly needs this park.' That final sentence is the:

Answer: Stated main idea

The concluding sentence directly states the central point of the paragraph.

When the main idea is implied, the reader's inference should be based on:

Answer: Evidence from the text, not personal guesses

A valid inference about the main idea relies on textual evidence.

Which best describes the relationship between the topic and the main idea?

Answer: The topic is what the text is about; the main idea is the point made about it

The topic is the subject, while the main idea is the key point about it.

A passage about ocean pollution ends with a call to reduce plastic use. This ending helps reveal the main idea by:

Answer: Showing the author's central concern and purpose

The closing call to action reflects the author's main concern and purpose.

Which paraphrase best captures this main idea: 'Sleep affects memory, mood, and health'?

Answer: Getting enough sleep matters for the body and mind

The paraphrase captures the broad importance of sleep for mind and body.

To check that you found the correct main idea, you can ask:

Answer: Do most of the details in the passage support it?

A correct main idea is supported by most of the passage's details.

An informational text uses headings like 'Diet,' 'Exercise,' and 'Rest.' These headings suggest the main idea is about:

Answer: The components of a healthy lifestyle

Headings about diet, exercise, and rest point to a healthy-lifestyle main idea.