PARCC Reading Main Idea 3

Question 1

A passage gives many details but never states the main idea in one sentence. This main idea is:

Accepted Answer

Implied, so the reader must infer it from the details

Answer

An implied main idea is inferred by combining the details the author provides.

Question 2

Which statement is too broad to be a passage's main idea about 'the migration of monarch butterflies'?

Accepted Answer

Animals do many interesting things

Answer

A main idea should match the passage's scope, not be overly general.

Question 3

Which statement is too narrow to be the main idea of a passage about a city's public transit system?

Accepted Answer

One bus route stops at the library at noon

Answer

A single specific detail is too narrow to capture the full main idea.

Question 4

A summary should mainly include:

Accepted Answer

The main idea and key supporting points

Answer

A good summary captures the main idea plus the most important details.

Question 5

How can a passage's repeated words or ideas help you find the main idea?

Accepted Answer

Repetition often signals what the author considers most important

Answer

Authors often repeat key ideas, which points to the central message.

PARCC Practice Test