Main Idea Survival Packet

7/30/2019 Main Idea Survival Packet

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Main Idea Practice 3

Select the stated main idea in the following passages.

Passage 1

Many people claim that they do not have time to work exercise into their daily schedules.However, exercise can be easily worked ones daily routine. For instance, one can do

stretches while taking a shower. While standing in line at the grocery store, one can flex

the abs or clench the rear. One can even do calf raises while talking on the phone. More

ideas: try walking around the building during lunch breaks and always take the stairs.

Passage 2

Many parents tend to think of day-care centers as breeding grounds for colds. But new

research suggests that children in day-care centers appear to develop immunity to many

of the viruses responsible for the common cold. An article published in the Archives ofPediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that children ages 6 to 11 who had been

enrolled at large day-care centers as toddlers had about one-third as many colds as

children who had stayed home as toddlers. Dr. Thomas Ball, one of the authors of thestudy, says that when children have colds as toddlers, their immune systems are learning

from these experiences, and this learning will come back to protect children later in life.

Such news should be reassuring to parents whose preschool children are in daycare.

Passage 3

The treatment of eating disorders is complex and demanding. The initial physical care

for a person with anorexia most often begins with hospitalization. In addition, drugtherapy to decrease hyperactivity and stimulate appetite is often used. Behavioral

modification, including eating contracts, is used, as is psychotherapy in both individualand group sessions. Nutritional and family counseling complete the therapy.(adapted from D. Hahn and W. Payne,Focus on Health)

Passage 4

Sexuality is a common topic for humor in England. In the United States, sexual jokes are

also popular. However, in China and Israel, they are almost nonexistent. Israeli humor is

described as aggressive humor, humor that reflects the instability of its people's lives

because of war. The French are also known to enjoy aggressive humor, by playfully

making fun of others. Clearly, a nation's humor reflects its people's lives.(adapted from D. Hahn and W. Payne,Focus on Health)


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Passage 5

There are a number of activities that can be used to enhance your emotional growth.

First, you can keep a daily journal. Writing down thoughts is an effective way ofachieving better self-understanding. Second, you can join a support group. Sharing

experiences creates an environment that will support your efforts to grow as a moreinteresting person. Third, take an assertiveness training course. Last, seek counseling.(adapted from D. Hahn and W. Payne,Focus on Health)

Passage 6

Transcenders have more peak or creative experiences than other people. Transcenders

are also innovators who are attracted to mystery and the unknown. In addition,transcenders tend to fuse work and play. Furthermore, these people are more likely to

accept others with an unconditional positive regard. Thus, there are many qualities that

separate transcenders from people who have not reached the stage of self-actualization.(adapted from D. Hahn and W. Payne,Focus on Health)

Passage 7

Why do people drink alcoholic beverages? Drinkers offer many different explanations

for their behavior. Some say that alcoholic beverages are more thirst quenching. Otherssay that they taste better. Stills others say they drink because their friends all drink. And

some say they drink to feel or to show that they are adults.

Passage 8

Many factors influence the absorption of alcohol in the body. Strength of beverage is

certainly one of these factors. Another is the number of drinks consumed. The speed ofconsumption is also important. If consumed rapidly, even relatively few drinks will

result in a large concentration that will lead to high blood alcohol concentrations. Inaddition, the presence of food and the drinker's individual body chemistry play a role.(adapted from D. Hahn and W. Payne,Focus on Health)

Passage 9

If a person who has been drinking heavily cannot be aroused, you should seek emergencymedical help. If a drinker has a weak, rapid pulse, this is also an indication of alcohol

intoxication. Likewise, if a drinker has an unusual or irregular breathing pattern, medical

attention may be needed. And if the drinker's skin is pale, cool, bluish, get help. Theseare all symptoms of alcohol intoxication and the need for emergency help. (adapted from D. Hahnand W. Payne,Focus on Health)

Passage 10

On Monday, my daughter came down with a cold. On Tuesday, my son inadvertently

dropped his glasses into the creek behind our house. On Wednesday, I did not turn the


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oven on while I was "baking" the roast. And Thursday, the driver behind me at the drive-

thru decided to drive through me. This has certainly been a bad week for me!

Main Idea Practice 1: Answer Key


Passage 1

Many people claim that they do not have time to work exercise into their daily schedules.

However, exercise can be easily worked ones daily routine. For instance, one can dostretches while taking a shower. While standing in line at the grocery store, one can flex

the abs or clench the rear. One can even do calf raises while talking on the phone. More

ideas: try walking around the building during lunch breaks and always take the stairs.

Passage 2

Many parents tend to think of day-care centers as breeding grounds for colds. But new

research suggests that children in day-care centers appear to develop immunity to many

of the viruses responsible for the common cold. An article published in the Archives of

Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that children ages 6 to 11 who had beenenrolled at large day-care centers as toddlers had about one-third as many colds as

children who had stayed home as toddlers. Dr. Thomas Ball, one of the authors of the

study, says that when children have colds as toddlers, their immune systems are learning

from these experiences, and this learning will come back to protect children later in life.Such news should be reassuring to parents whose preschool children are in daycare.

Passage 3

The treatment of eating disorders is complex and demanding. The initial physical carefor a person with anorexia most often begins with hospitalization. In addition, drug

therapy to decrease hyperactivity and stimulate appetite is often used. Behavioral

modification, including eating contracts, is used, as is psychotherapy in both individual

and group sessions. Nutritional and family counseling complete the therapy.(adapted from D. Hahn and W. Payne,Focus on Health)

Passage 4

Sexuality is a common topic for humor in England. In the United States, sexual jokes arealso popular. However, in China and Israel, they are almost nonexistent. Israeli humor is

described as aggressive humor, humor that reflects the instability of its people's lives

because of war. The French are also known to enjoy aggressive humor, by playfullymaking fun of others. Clearly, a nation's humor reflects its people's lives.(adapted from D. Hahn and W. Payne,Focus on Health)


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Passage 5

There are a number of activities that can be used to enhance your emotional growth.

First, you can keep a daily journal. Writing down thoughts is an effective way ofachieving better self-understanding. Second, you can join a support group. Sharing

experiences creates an environment that will support your efforts to grow as a moreinteresting person. Third, take an assertiveness training course. Last, seek counseling.(adapted from D. Hahn and W. Payne,Focus on Health)

Passage 6

Transcenders have more peak or creative experiences than other people. Transcenders

are also innovators who are attracted to mystery and the unknown. In addition,transcenders tend to fuse work and play. Furthermore, these people are more likely to

accept others with an unconditional positive regard. Thus, there are many qualities that

separate transcenders from people who have not reached the stage of self-actualization.(adapted from D. Hahn and W. Payne,Focus on Health)

Passage 7

Why do people drink alcoholic beverages? Drinkers offer many different explanations

for their behavior. Some say that alcoholic beverages are more thirst quenching. Otherssay that they taste better. Stills others say they drink because their friends all drink. And

some say they drink to feel or to show that they are adults.

Passage 8

Many factors influence the absorption of alcohol in the body. Strength of beverage is

certainly one of these factors. Another is the number of drinks consumed. The speed ofconsumption is also important. If consumed rapidly, even relatively few drinks will

result in a large concentration that will lead to high blood alcohol concentrations. Inaddition, the presence of food and the drinker's individual body chemistry play a role.(adapted from D. Hahn and W. Payne,Focus on Health)

Passage 9

If a person who has been drinking heavily cannot be aroused, you should seek emergencymedical help. If a drinker has a weak, rapid pulse, this is also an indication of alcohol

intoxication. Likewise, if a drinker has an unusual or irregular breathing pattern, medical

attention may be needed. And if the drinker's skin is pale, cool, bluish, get help. Theseare all symptoms of alcohol intoxication and the need for emergency help. (adapted from D. Hahnand W. Payne,Focus on Health)

Passage 10

On Monday, my daughter came down with a cold. On Tuesday, my son inadvertently

dropped his glasses into the creek behind our house. On Wednesday, I did not turn the


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oven on while I was "baking" the roast. And Thursday, the driver behind me at the drive-

thru decided to drive through me. This has certainly been a bad week for me!

Main Idea Practice 2


Passage 1

A variety of methods can be used to assist people who are suffering from mentaldisorders. One such therapy is insight-oriented therapy. Proponents of this approach

believe that success can be achieved only if the client gains insight into the experiences

that led up to his or her problem. Another type of therapy is behavior therapy. Thisapproach attempts to make changes by using scientifically tested principles of operant

and classical conditioning. Still another type of therapy is group therapy. This type of

therapy involves a therapist and several clients who are all troubled by similar problems.(adapted from Hahn and Payne,Focus on Health)

Passage 2

One sign of pregnancy is nausea upon awakening. Other signs are increase in size and

tenderness of the breasts. Still other signs include increase in the frequency of urinationand an increase in the size of the abdomen. Thus, aside from pregnancy tests, a woman

can sometimes recognize the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy.

Passage 3

Is this year's holiday season making you tired? You can easily perk up by following afew easy tips. First, get plenty of rest. Second, snack wisely. Third, keep fit. Exercise is

very important during the holidays--and not just for its weight benefits. Fourth, take a

relaxing bath, and finally try sharing with others.

Passage 4

Are you confused by your holiday leftovers? Well, don't save any food that has been

sitting around on your dining room table or counters for more than two hours aftercooking. Do place the leftovers in the refrigerator while they are still warm. Don't waste

those turkey scraps: add them to a salad or make a delicious soup. There are manystrategies that you should use when dealing with holiday leftovers. You can even pool

your leftovers with friends and neighbors by having an after-holiday potluck dinner.

Passage 5


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An interesting feature of body language is that we are often unaware of it. We usually do

not consciously decide that we will smile, dilate our pupils, and move closer to someone

to show our attraction. We may not be aware that narrowed eyes and a clenched jaw mayreveal our anger or rage. Nor are we necessarily aware that eyebrows up and eye blinks

reveal that we are startled. (Adapted from Worchel and Shebilske,Psychology: Principles and Applications, 3rd edition)

Passage 6

Imagine parents' reaction as their rugged young son strides into the living room sporting adress and hugging a doll. Equally upsetting to some parents is a little daughter who

insists on dressing like a cowboy and beating up the little boy next door. Problems

sometimes result when people rigidly adopt the role of the opposite sex. This relativelyrare childhood disorder is called a gender-identity disorder. (Adapted from Worchel and Shebilske,

Psychology: Principles and Applications, 3rd edition)

Passage 7

Yesterday's storm did considerable damage to our neighborhood. Many stately oaks wereuprooted, and several large old pine trees crushed the roofs of at least five houses. The

hail that accompanied the storm damaged all of the cars that were not under shelter, and

my neighbor's home was completely demolished. And my own "detached" garage wascertainly detached from its foundation. Clearly, yesterday's storm caused much

destruction.

Passage 8

Some folks think that pets are trustworthy and harmless creatures. However, it'ssurprising what little thieves these creatures can be. My daughter's ferret has stolen my

checkbook, my calculator, my wallet, and my change purse. My officemate's dog stole aneighbor's T-bone steak right off the grill. My old dog Moonbear was known to steal

freshly baked cherry pies and peanut butter cookies, while the dog that lived below usstole his master's roast one day.

Passage 9

Lara is quite different from her sister Lisa. Lara's hair is jet black and curly, while Lisa's

is blond and straight. Lara stands 5 feet 10 inches in her stocking feet, while Lisa is amere 5 feet 2 inches (in heels!). Furthermore, Lara's complexion is olive, quite unlike

Lisa's rosy hue.

Passage 10

Many people are not good listeners. They may not even realize that they lack this skill.

But almost anyone can become a better listener by being aware of certain negativelistening habits. One such habit is jumping to conclusions before hearing the entire

message. Another bad habit is to nod off when someone is speaking in a monotone.


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Turning off to speakers who are not necessarily experts is also a negative listening habit.

Yet another bad habit to avoid is the habit of reacting emotionally to certain words.

Main Idea Practice 2Key


Passage 1

A variety of methods can be used to assist people who are suffering from mentaldisorders. One such therapy is insight-oriented therapy. Proponents of this approach

believe that success can be achieved only if the client gains insight into the experiences

that led up to his or her problem. Another type of therapy is behavior therapy. Thisapproach attempts to make changes by using scientifically tested principles of operant

and classical conditioning. Still another type of therapy is group therapy. This type of

therapy involves a therapist and several clients who are all troubled by similar problems.(adapted from Hahn and Payne,Focus on Health)

Passage 2

One sign of pregnancy is nausea upon awakening. Other signs are increase in size and

tenderness of the breasts. Still other signs include increase in the frequency of urinationand an increase in the size of the abdomen. Thus, aside from pregnancy tests, a woman

can sometimes recognize the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy.

Passage 3

Is this year's holiday season making you tired? You can easily perk up by following afew easy tips. First, get plenty of rest. Second, snack wisely. Third, keep fit. Exercise is

very important during the holidays--and not just for its weight benefits. Fourth, take a

relaxing bath, and finally try sharing with others.

Passage 4

Are you confused by your holiday leftovers? Well, don't save any food that has beensitting around on your dining room table or counters for more than two hours after

cooking. Do place the leftovers in the refrigerator while they are still warm. Don't waste

those turkey scraps: add them to a salad or make a delicious soup. There are manystrategies that you should use when dealing with holiday leftovers. You can even pool

your leftovers with friends and neighbors by having an after-holiday potluck dinner.


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Passage 5

An interesting feature of body language is that we are often unaware of it. We usually do

not consciously decide that we will smile, dilate our pupils, and move closer to someoneto show our attraction. We may not be aware that narrowed eyes and a clenched jaw may

reveal our anger or rage. Nor are we necessarily aware that eyebrows up and eye blinksreveal that we are startled. (Adapted from Worchel and Shebilske,Psychology: Principles and Applications, 3rd edition)

Passage 6

Imagine parents' reaction as their rugged young son strides into the living room sporting adress and hugging a doll. Equally upsetting to some parents is a little daughter who

insists on dressing like a cowboy and beating up the little boy next door. Problems

sometimes result when people rigidly adopt the role of the opposite sex. This relativelyrare childhood disorder is called a gender-identity disorder. (Adapted from Worchel and Shebilske,

Psychology: Principles and Applications, 3rd edition)

Passage 7

Yesterday's storm did considerable damage to our neighborhood. Many stately oaks were

uprooted, and several large old pine trees crushed the roofs of at least five houses. The

hail that accompanied the storm damaged all of the cars that were not under shelter, and

my neighbor's home was completely demolished. And my own "detached" garage wascertainly detached from its foundation. Clearly, yesterday's storm caused much

destruction. Here the first and last sentence say essentially the same thing.

Passage 8

Some folks think that pets are trustworthy and harmless creatures. However, it'ssurprising what little thieves these creatures can be. My daughter's ferret has stolen my

checkbook, my calculator, my wallet, and my change purse. My officemate's dog stole a

neighbor's T-bone steak right off the grill. My old dog Moonbear was known to stealfreshly baked cherry pies and peanut butter cookies, while the dog that lived below us

stole his master's roast one day.

Note: Watch forhowever, but, andyet, especially in the 2nd or third sentence.

Passage 9

Lara is quite different from her sister Lisa. Lara's hair is jet black and curly, while Lisa'sis blond and straight. Lara stands 5 feet 10 inches in her stocking feet, while Lisa is a

mere 5 feet 2 inches (in heels!). Furthermore, Lara's complexion is olive, quite unlike

Lisa's rosy hue.

Passage 10


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Many people are not good listeners. They may not even realize that they lack this skill.

But almost anyone can become a better listener by being aware of certain negative

listening habits. One such habit is jumping to conclusions before hearing the entiremessage. Another bad habit is to nod off when someone is speaking in a monotone.

Turning off to speakers who are not necessarily experts is also a negative listening habit.

Yet another bad habit to avoid is the habit of reacting emotionally to certain words.

Practice # 3 Contributing to the Main Idea

Every sentence in a paragraph must contribute to the main idea. Most of the sentences in

a paragraph simply support the main idea. Some may state or summarize that idea.

There is one sentence in each of the following paragraphs that does not contribute to

the main idea. It does not belong in the paragraph. Underline the sentence that should

be removed from each paragraph.

1. I am looking forward to Election Day. Its fun to vote and exciting to

watch the election results. Ill be rooting for my candidate to win and

enjoying the suspense if the vote is close. The following day will be a good

time to play video games. No matter who wins, an election is a specialoccasion.

2. April is beginning the lengthy process of choosing a college to attend.

She is buying and reading guides to the best schools. She has not completely

ruled out working for a year before attending college. She is checking out

the many Websites that provide information for picking the right college or

university. She is even researching the climate of the area of every school

she considers.

3. Bill is one of those people who just dont have to worry about gaining toomuch weight. He is the best tennis player Ive ever met. Bill can eat any

amount of any food he likes without putting on an ounce. He can go for

weeks without exercising with any apparent effect. It just doesnt seem fair!

4. Scientists are learning a great deal about the aging process. This

knowledge will allow doctors to help their patients live longer and better


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lives. They will be able to defeat diseases associated with aging and perhaps

even delay the onset of old age. Many doctors would agree that some

medicines are much too expensive.

Practice # 3: Contributing to the Main Idea Answer Key

1. The following day will be a good time to play

video games.2. She hasnt completely ruled out working for a year

before attending college.

3. He is the best tennis player Ive ever met.

4. Many doctors would agree that some medicines are

much too expensive.


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Five Day Bell work/ Mini-Exercise

Main Idea- Day 1

The main idea of a paragraph is what all the sentences are about. Read theparagraph and ask, Whats your point? That will help you zero in on the

main idea.

Read each paragraph carefully. Choose the best answer to the questions

that follow. Explain your choice in the space provided.

1. Juan loves to play games. His favorite game is chess because it requires a

great deal of thought. Juan also likes to play less demanding board games

that are based mostly on luck. He prefers Monopoly because it requires luck

and skill. If hes alone, Juan likes to play action video games as long as theyarent too violent.

What is the main idea of this paragraph?

a. Juan dislikes violence.

b. Juan likes to think.

c. Juan enjoys Monopoly.

d. Juan enjoys playing games.

Explanation:

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________


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_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Main Idea- Day 2

The main idea of a paragraph is what all the sentences are about. Read theparagraph and ask, Whats your point? That will help you zero in on the

main idea.


that follow. Explain your choice in the space provided

2. Maria is watching too much television. A toddler shouldnt be spending

hours staring blankly at a screen. Worse yet, some of her wild behavior has

been inspired by those awful cartoons she watches. We need to spend more

time reading books with her and pull the plug on the TV!


a. Watching a lot of television isnt good for Maria.

b. Books are good.

c. All cartoons are bad.

d. Some cartoons are bad for Maria.

Explanation:

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________


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Main Idea- Day 3

The main idea of a paragraph is what all the sentences are about. Read the

paragraph and ask, Whats your point? That will help you zero in on themain idea.



3. Samantha, I cant eat or sleep when you are gone. I need to hear your

scratchy voice and see your lovely toothless smile. I miss that special way

that you eat soup with your fingers. Please come home soon!


a. Samantha, you have bad manners.

b. Samantha, you should see a dentist.

c. Samantha, I miss you.

d. Samantha, I have lost my appetite.

Explanation:

_____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________


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Main Idea- Day 4


paragraph and ask, Whats your point? That will help you zero in on the

main idea.



4. Someday we will all have robots that will be our personal servants. They

will look and behave much like real humans. We will be able to talk to these

mechanical helpers and they will be able to respond in kind. Amazingly, the

robots of the future will be able to learn from experience. They will be

smart, strong, and untiring workers whose only goal will be to make our

lives easier.

Which sentence from the paragraph expresses the main idea?

a. Someday we will all have robots that will be our personal servants.

b. We will be able to talk to these mechanical helpers and they will be able

to respond in kind.

c. They will look and behave much like real humans.

d. Amazingly, the robots of the future will be able to learn from experience.

Explanation:

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________


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Main Idea- Day 5


paragraph and ask, Whats your point? That will help you zero in on the

main idea.



5. Many parents tend to think of day-care centers as breeding grounds for

colds. But new research suggests that children in day-care centers appear to

develop immunity to many of the viruses responsible for the common cold.

An article published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine

found that children ages 6 to 11 who had been enrolled at large day-care

centers as toddlers had about one-third as many colds as children who had

stayed home as toddlers. Dr. Thomas Ball, one of the authors of the study,

says that when children have colds as toddlers, their immune systems are

learning from these experiences, and this learning will come back to protectchildren later in life. Such news should be reassuring to parents whose

preschool children are in daycare.

Which sentence from the paragraph expresses the main idea?

a. Good news for day cares.

b. But new research suggests that children in day-care centers appear to

develop immunity to many of the viruses responsible for the common cold.

c. Their immune system will learn now and protect later.

d. Good news for parents.

Explanation:

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________


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_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Main Idea- Day 6 Provided by Mrs. LevreaultBell Work-Read the paragraph and then select the main idea for the

paragraph.

1. Memorial Day - it's a great holiday! It assures us that summer is just

around the corner. Of course, Memorial Day was first celebrated for a

more serious reason. Memorial Day, began in 1868, was the day thatCivil War soldiers were honored. Later, it became the day to remember

all American soldiers who had died in a war.

The main idea in this passage is:

Memorial Day was first celebrated in 1868.

Memorial Day is the first holiday of

summer.

Memorial Day is in May.

Memorial Day honors fallen soldiers.

2. Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet explored the Mississippi River.

Marquette was born in France. He went to Catholic schools and planned

to become a missionary. He came to America to teach the Indians about

his church. He heard about the great river from the Indians. Jolliet was a

French Canadian explorer. He was sent to the Mississippi in hopes of

finding a good trade route. Although their goals were different,

Marquette and Jolliet worked together to explore the river.


It tells where Jolliet was born.

It tells who first discovered the Mississippi River.

It describes the Mississippi River.It compares the two explorers, Marquette and Jolliet.

3. The St. Lawrence Seaway was a joint project of the United States and

Canada. Together, the two countries built a series of canals, locks, and

channels. They connect the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean by way of

the St. Lawrence River. The seaway opened up the central part of North


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America to shipping to and from Europe. It had been in use since 1959.


the St. Lawrence

Seaway

Europethe Atlantic Ocean

the St. Lawrence River


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Main Idea- Day 6

Answer Key 0274703

1. Memorial Day - it's a great holiday! It assures us that summer is just around the

corner. Of course, Memorial Day was first celebrated for a more serious reason.

Memorial Day, begun in 1868, was the day that Civil War soldiers were honored.Later, it became the day to remember all American soldiers who had died in a war.

The main idea in this passage is:Memorial Day was first celebrated in 1868.

Memorial Day is the first holiday of summer.

Memorial Day is in May.

Memorial Day honors fallen soldiers.

2. Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet explored the Mississippi River. Marquette wasborn in France. He went to Catholic schools and planned to become a missionary. He

came to America to teach the Indians about his church. He heard about the great river

from the Indians. Jolliet was a French Canadian explorer. He was sent to theMississippi in hopes of finding a good trade route. Although their goals were

different, Marquette and Jolliet worked together to explore the river.


It tells where Jolliet was born.

It tells who first discovered the Mississippi River.

It describes the Mississippi River.

It compares the two explorers, Marquette and Jolliet.

3. The St. Lawrence Seaway was a joint project of the United States and Canada.

Together, the two countries built a series of canals, locks, and channels. They connectthe Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean by way of the St. Lawrence River. The seaway

opened up the central part of North America to shipping to and from Europe. It had

been in use since 1959.


the St. Lawrence Seaway

Europethe Atlantic Ocean

the St. Lawrence River


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Provided by: Mrs. Lowenstein

(Note: if you need a more direct instruction format here is a full lesson plan that you canuse as is or adapt to your students needs.)

Main Idea

Basic Introduction to the concept of Main Idea. Works for all age levels (middle & high

school).

Objective:

1. Students will recognize that a group of items can have a title.

2. Students will understand that a title of a group can be compared to the main idea of a

paragraph.

3. Students will be able to identify the main idea of groups by assigning titles.

4.. Students demonstrate understanding by correctly titling each group and adding at least

one more item to each group.

Materials: Overhead projector, 2 transparencies, worksheets

Activities:

1. Teacher introduces the activity with 2 examples using board or overhead

2. Teacher further works with students to complete several additional examples

3. Teacher facilitates students as they work individually, or in pairs, to complete the

worksheet.

Note: although this activity seems quite basic, it is challenging to students that have

difficulty with comprehension. Further, it provides an extremely concrete and explicit

introduction to the concept of main Idea.

This activity can be more or less difficult depending of the students.

To make it more difficult, use more abstract groupings or require more specifity in the

additional examples that students add to each group.

The more abstract and specific, the more difficult.


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ACTIVITY

1. Explain that sometimes the Main idea of a paragraph or a passage can be found in the

title.2. Be sure that students understand the concept of Main Idea.

3. Ask students to name the group to which the following items belong ( or what would

be a good title for this group).

On overhead or board, write the following list.

Mercury

Venus

Earth

Mars

4. Students should be able to identify the group as Planets.

5. Do anotherexample on the overhead or Board

Poodle

Labrador retriever

Terrier

German shepherd

6. Again, students should be able to identify the group as Dogs.

7. Using Transparency A, continue working with the students to identify titles for

each group and to add one more item to each group.

Work with these list so that the students get as specific as possible.

Example Snow, Sleet, etc.

Precipitation is the most specific

Example Chess, Pool, etc.

Games requiring Strategy

(This is the way to manipulate the difficulty level with lower level students,

the first list might be wet weather, the second might be games


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TRANSPARENCY A

(together as class)

1. Basketball 2. Soccer Ball 3. Rose

Hockey Tennis Racket Daisy

Tennis Bat Buttercup

Football Glove Carnation

_______ ___________ ____________

4. Hot Dog 5. Nails 6. Oak

Hamburger Saw Maple

Steak Hammer Cherry

Pork Chop Ruler Pine

______________ ______________ _______________

7. Orlando 8. Maine 9. House

New York City Florida Hospital

Dallas Oregon School

Los Angeles Utah Church

_______________ ________________ _________________

10. Dog 11. Snow 12. Chess

Cat Rain Pool

Parakeet Sleet Checkers

Hamster Hail Cards

_____________ ________________ _______________


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(Work with students, coaxing them to be as specific as possible and to add

appropriate items to each list.)

1. After going through Transparency A with the students and feeling confident that

they understand the task, give them Worksheets 1 and 2.

2. Have them work on these on their own, individually or in pairs. Monitor their work to

be certain that they are being as specific as possible.


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Worksheet 1

1. Ocean 2. Igloo 3. Boots

Lake Cabin Slippers

Pond Apartment High Heels

_______________ ________________ _________________

4. June 5. TV 6. Hail

July Movies Tornado

August Concerts Blizzard

__________________ _________________ ______________

7. Ice Cream 8. Cars 9. Window

The North Pole Bikes Glasses

December Skates Air

________________ ________________ __________________

10. Knee 11. Puppy 12. George Washington

Elbow Kitten Thomas Jefferson

Hip Colt Ulysses S. Grant

_____________ _________________ __________________


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Worksheet 2

1. Shout 2. Frisbee 3. Iron

Holler Javelin Silver

Scream Football Copper

________________ _________________ __________________

4. Collar 5. dust 6. Thread

Bird Cage Mud Scissors

Leash Stains Needles

______________ ________________ __________________

7. Grocery Store 8. Rag 9. Gasoline

Ticket Counter Kewpie Wood

Bus Stop Barbie Coal

__________________ Baby Coal

________________ __________________

10. Painting 11. Horse 12. Algae

Sculpture Donkey Waves

Poetry Bicycle Whales

_________________ _________________ _________________

***********************************************************************

********

Below are 3 Extra Hard lists. See if you can figure out a title for each Group.

BONUS 1 BONUS 2 BONUS 3

Table Latkes Pizza

Cow Dreidel Babies

Relay Race Menorah Newspapers


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Chair Mail

ANSWERS

Students may come up with different answers. Obviously, if they are reasonable, accept

them and encourage students critical thinking. ALL ANSWERS ARE UP TO YOUR

DISCRETION.

Strive to have the students discover theMOST SPECIFIC, NARROW ANSWER.

Transparency A

1. Sports

2. Sports Equipment

3. Flowers

4. Food Meat

5. Building tools

Carpenter Tools

6. Trees

7. Cities in the U.S.

8. States

9. Buildings for People

10. Pets

11. Precipitation

12. Games with Strategy

****************

Bonus 1 Things with 4

Legs

Worksheet 1

1. Bodies of Water

2. Places Where People

Live

3. Foot Wear (not shoes

note: slippers)

4. Summer months

5. Visual Entertainment

6. Bad/Dangerous

Weather

7. Things that are Cold

8. Things with Wheels

9. Transparent Things

10. Joints of the body

11. Baby Animals

12. U.S. Presidents

********************

Bonus 2. Things for

the Jewish Holiday of

Chanukah

Worksheet 2

1. Loud Voices

2. Things you throw

3. Metals

4. Things that

hold/contain pets

5. Things that need

cleaning

6. Sewing materials

7. Places you wait

(maybe to buy

something, depending

on the knowledge of bus

stop)

8. Types of Dolls

9. Fuel for Fire (or

Energy

10. Forms of Art

11. Things you can ride

on

12. Things in the Ocean

*******************

**

Bonus 3. Things that

are Delivered


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Main Idea

Learning Goal

Students will learn to

find the main idea andsupporting details in a

nonfiction selectionorganized in a

description pattern.

Provided by: Mr. Picart

Main Idea Survival Packet

Documents