Worked example
The class waters its seedlings. Children pull weeds from the beds. They check the leaves each week.
What is the main idea?
Answer & why
Answer: The class cares for its garden.
All three actions describe looking after the garden.
Grade 3 · Reading & language
Find a short text’s main idea
Choose a statement that covers the important details of a short text.
8 authored questions + worked example
Add to plan
All questions
All 8 authored questions for this skill.
Question 1
The family packs lunch and fills water bottles. Before leaving, they check their tickets.
What is the main idea?
- The family prepares for a trip.
- A library offers several ways to learn.
- The class cares for its garden.
- The team practices working together.
A hint
Look for an idea supported by most of the sentences, not one small detail.
Answer & why
Answer: The family prepares for a trip.
Packing and checking are both preparation tasks.
Question 2
At practice, players pass the ball to teammates. They listen to one another and plan the next move.
What is the main idea?
- A bridge helps people cross a stream.
- A library offers several ways to learn.
- The class cares for its garden.
- The team practices working together.
A hint
Look for an idea supported by most of the sentences, not one small detail.
Answer & why
Answer: The team practices working together.
Passing and listening are examples of cooperation.
Question 3
The class waters its seedlings. Children pull weeds from the beds. They check the leaves each week.
What is the main idea?
- A bridge helps people cross a stream.
- A library offers several ways to learn.
- The class cares for its garden.
- The market sells local food.
A hint
Look for an idea supported by most of the sentences, not one small detail.
Answer & why
Answer: The class cares for its garden.
All three actions describe looking after the garden.
Question 4
At the library, visitors read books. They can join a drawing lesson or ask a librarian a question.
What is the main idea?
- The market sells local food.
- A library offers several ways to learn.
- Rain changes a playground.
- A bridge helps people cross a stream.
A hint
Look for an idea supported by most of the sentences, not one small detail.
Answer & why
Answer: A library offers several ways to learn.
Books, lessons and questions are examples of ways to learn there.
Question 5
A bridge spans the stream. Its walkway keeps shoes dry, and handrails help walkers cross safely.
What is the main idea?
- The market sells local food.
- A map can help plan a walk.
- Rain changes a playground.
- A bridge helps people cross a stream.
A hint
Look for an idea supported by most of the sentences, not one small detail.
Answer & why
Answer: A bridge helps people cross a stream.
The walkway and handrails support the bridge's crossing purpose.
Question 6
At the market, a nearby farm sells carrots. Another local grower brings apples and pears.
What is the main idea?
- The market sells local food.
- A map can help plan a walk.
- Rain changes a playground.
- The family prepares for a trip.
A hint
Look for an idea supported by most of the sentences, not one small detail.
Answer & why
Answer: The market sells local food.
Both stalls are examples of locally grown food for sale.
Question 7
After rain, puddles fill low places in the playground. The slide and benches are wet.
What is the main idea?
- A map can help plan a walk.
- Rain changes a playground.
- The family prepares for a trip.
- The team practices working together.
A hint
Look for an idea supported by most of the sentences, not one small detail.
Answer & why
Answer: Rain changes a playground.
Both puddles and wet equipment result from the rain.
Question 8
The map shows park paths and their lengths. Visitors use it to choose a walking route.
What is the main idea?
- The class cares for its garden.
- A map can help plan a walk.
- The family prepares for a trip.
- The team practices working together.
A hint
Look for an idea supported by most of the sentences, not one small detail.
Answer & why
Answer: A map can help plan a walk.
The map's paths and distances both support planning a walk.