Main Idea
When he was sixteen years old, Robin Lee Graham decided to sail around the
world by himself. In the summer of 1965, Graham set sail from his home port of Los
Angeles in his 24-foot fiberglass sloop named Dove. He was accompanied only by his
two cats, Joliette and Susette. During his trip, Graham kept an audio diary, and he often
recorded his feelings of loneliness during calm weather and anxiety when he faced
squalls and other dangerous weather situations. He successfully sailed across the
Pacific Ocean, and he visited many Pacific islands, including the Solomon Islands,
American Samoa, and the Yasawa Islands. During his journey, Robin Lee Graham met
fellow world traveler Patti Ratterree, and the two wed in Australia. They traveled
together on Dove across most of the Indian Ocean. After returning to Los Angeles
almost five years after he set sail, Graham co-wrote a book named Dove. The story of
his journey was also made into a movie of the same name.
1. Which sentence best expresses the main idea of the passage?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Robin
Robin
Robin
Robin
Lee
Lee
Lee
Lee
Graham
Graham
Graham
Graham
sailed around the world in a ship named Dove.
co-wrote a book named after his ship, Dove.
was often lonely and anxious during his long trip.
and his wife, Patti, were married in Australia.
Alexander Pope was born in 1688 to a London linen merchant. There was little in his
early life to indicate that he would eventually become a master of poetry and satire. As a
child, he suffered from tuberculosis of the spine, and the disease stunted his growth at 4
feet 6 inches. His painful physical problems did not allow him to attend formal classes,
but he educated himself by reading literature and poetry. One of his favorite authors
was the classical Greek poet Homer, author of The Iliad and The Odyssey.
As an adult, Alexander Pope was celebrated for his clever poems and letters. Pope's
Essay on Man was one of his most famous poems, and it is quoted often even today.
He also became well-known for writing satire, a form of writing that attempts to ridicule
other people's words or behavior. He wrote his satire The Dunciad to mock those who
criticized his work. Pope had many friends who were writers and poets. One of his most
famous friends was Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels. Pope's poor health
continued throughout his life, and he passed away at the age of 56. He was buried in
the Twickenham Church graveyard.
2. Which sentence best states the main idea of this article?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Alexander
Alexander
Alexander
Alexander
Pope's poem "Essay on Man" is often quoted.
Pope was fond of reading Homer's works.
Pope was famous for his poetry and satire.
Pope suffered from tuberculosis of the spine.
In 1925, four friends gathered to discuss their common goal to create a
professional organization to encourage and honor women who were involved in
geographic exploration and research. As a result of their meeting, Marguerite Harrison,
Blair Niles, Gertrude Shelby, and Gertrude Emerson Sen began the Society for Woman
Geographers (SWG). The SWG was created at a time when membership in most
professional organizations was denied to women. Its focus is on providing a forum for
women to share their research, meet other professionals, and advance their careers.
Some famous members of the Society of Woman Geographers include pilot Amelia
Earhart, former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and anthropologist Margaret Mead.
3. What is the main idea of this selection?
A. The Society of Woman Geographers is a professional organization for
women.
B. Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt were among the Society's
famous members.
C. Women were not always allowed to participate in professional
organizations.
D. The Society of Woman Geographers was created by friends with a
common goal.
Twenty-five year old Anna Burwell and her husband, Reverend Robert Burwell,
moved to Hillsborough, North Carolina in 1835. Anna and her husband had two small
children, and Reverend Burwell's salary was small. Anna decided to use her lifelong
love of education to help her family and other young women. As a supplement to her
husband's income, Anna began teaching the daughter of James Webb, the owner of the
town's general store. Two years later, Anna opened one of the first all-female
academies in North Carolina, the Burwell Female School.
In addition to being the founder of the Burwell Female School, Anna was also the
full-time administrator. She created the curriculum for the school's classes, which
included Latin, botany, astronomy, and physical education. Many students traveled from
out of state to attend the school, and these students shared the Burwell home with
Anna, her husband, and their growing family (which eventually included twelve
children). Over the course of twelve years, two hundred students were educated at the
Burwell's school. Anna shared her love for education with her students. In fact, many of
Anna's students went on to create schools of their own.
4. Which statement best expresses the main idea of this passage?
A. Anna Burwell was able to share her love of education when she
became the founder and administrator of the Burwell Female School.
B. The Burwell Female School, founded by Anna Burwell, had many
graduates who went on to create their own schools in other states.
C. Students at the Burwell Female School often lived with the Burwell
family, which consisted of Anna, her husband, and their twelve
children.
D. Anna Burwell needed a job to supplement the income of her husband,
who was a pastor, and provide for her twelve children.
Aimee Mullins
by J. Robbins
Model, actress, and athlete Aimee Mullins was born with a condition called fibular
hemimelia. The condition, which caused her to be born without shin (fibula) bones,
required her to undergo an amputation of both legs below the knees at the age of one.
Aimee, wearing artificial legs, participated in athletics against her non-disabled peers,
and it wasn't until high school that she entered her first track meet for people with
physical disabilities. At her first track event, she not only beat the other runners, most of
whom had less severe amputations, but she also set a national record.
Aimee continued to compete in athletics as she graduated high school and entered
Georgetown University. While attending college, she became the first athlete with a
disability to enter NCAA Division I track and field events. Her next challenge was the
Paralympic Games, an athletic competition that allows people with disabilities to
compete in events similar to those in the Olympic Games. In 1996, Aimee accomplished
her goal of setting records in the 100 and 200-meter dash and in the long jump at the
Paralympic Games in Georgia.
Athletics is not the only area in which Aimee Mullins excels. She earned an
internship with the prestigious Georgetown University Foreign Affairs program. After
graduating with degrees in both history and diplomacy, Aimee starred in several
television programs, movies, and runway fashion shows. She is also a motivational
speaker who donates her time and efforts to helping people with disabilities participate
fully in life.
5. Which sentence best expresses the main idea of paragraph 3?
A. Acting in television shows and movies has allowed Aimee Mullins to
become an advocate for change.
B. Acting, modeling, and community service are other areas in which
Aimee Mullins has found success.
C. Aimee Mullins has decided to leave athletics and become a volunteer
with many charitable organizations.
D. Many people do not know that Aimee Mullins has also participated in
runway fashion shows in France.
6. The first paragraph of this passage is mainly about
A.
B.
C.
D.
the many awards Aimee Mullins has won.
a track event created for disabled women.
the reason for Aimee Mullins' amputation.
a serious condition called fibular hemimelia.
7. What is the main idea of paragraph 2?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Track and field events should be open to disabled athletes.
Aimee Mullins set new records at the 1996 Paralympic Games.
Aimee Mullins participated in long jump events while at college.
College is the best place to compete in athletic competitions.
Parkour is thought by many to be an extreme sport—especially when people see
parkour practitioners (known as traceurs) climbing walls and jumping off buildings.
However, it might be better to characterize parkour as a radical art form involving both
the body and mind. Although this art form can be extreme, it does not involve the
teamwork, structure, or competitiveness of organized sports. In addition, traceurs can
be difficult to recognize, as they do not wear matching uniforms to identify themselves.
Parkour and its practitioners are in a category of their own.
The ultimate goal of parkour is for a person to mentally and physically prepare to
overcome any obstacle he or she may face. Traceurs, who pit their bodies against
various types of obstacles, often risk physical injury, and safety is an important concern.
While practicing parkour, a traceur's route may take him or her over a large boulder,
across several rooftops, or across the top of a wall. As dangerous as these acts may
sound, most traceurs do attempt to learn the safest way to move, jump, and land.
Parkour has become a popular art form in urban settings around the world due to the
many obstacles located around the cityscape. This has led to concerns for traceurs'
safety, as well as worries about traceurs trespassing on private property and attempting
to jump from high buildings. As in most physical activities, safety for oneself and others
should be paramount in the practice of parkour.
8. Which sentence from the passage best expresses the main idea of
paragraph 2?
A. "The ultimate goal of parkour is for a person to mentally and physically
prepare to overcome any obstacle he or she may face."
B. "Parkour has become a popular art form in many cities around the
world due to the many obstacles located around urban settings."
C. "Traceurs, who pit their bodies against various types of obstacles,
often risk physical injury, and safety is an important concern."
D. "While practicing parkour, a traceur's route may take him or her over a
large boulder, across several rooftops, or across the top of a wall."
9. Which sentence best states the main idea of the first paragraph?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Parkour
Parkour
Parkour
Parkour
does not have much in common with extreme sports.
does not have many practitioners around the world.
is only dangerous when traceurs are not careful.
is a reinvention of the classic form of extreme sports.
Tiger sharks, only slightly smaller than great white sharks, are responsible for many
attacks on human beings each year. In October of 2003, 13-year-old Bethany Hamilton
experienced this fact firsthand when she was attacked by a fifteen foot tiger shark off
the coast of Kauai. Hamilton, a professional surfer since the age of 9, lost her left arm in
the attack. However, she did not let the loss of her arm keep her from pursuing her
dreams of becoming a professional surfer. Three weeks after the attack, Hamilton
returned to surfing, and in 2005, she began competing—and winning trophies—in
surfing competitions. Hamilton's injury and recovery was profiled in a 2007 documentary
film entitled Heart of a Soul Surfer.
10. This passage is mainly about
A.
B.
C.
D.
a surfer's injury and recovery.
documentaries about surfers.
tiger shark attacks in Kauai.
female surfers born in Hawaii.
Gary Paulsen, author of many young adult novels including Hatchet and Dogsong,
has lived many of the adventures he writes about in his books. Paulsen did not have an
easy childhood, and he spent many hours outdoors to escape his unhappy home. At an
early age, he learned how to hunt, fish, and trap in the woods near his home. Paulsen
used a bow and arrow for hunting because it was less noisy and disruptive in an
outdoor environment.
The author also wrote several books based on his experiences with the Iditarod Trail
Sled Dog Race in Alaska. Participants in this race, which covers approximately 1,160
miles of undeveloped Alaskan wilderness, face hazardous terrain, blizzards, and subzero weather. Gary Paulsen has competed in the Iditarod three times, and although he
has been forced to retire from competition, he still maintains land in Alaska where he
trains sled dogs.
Paulsen's most famous book exemplifies the author's use of personal experience to
explore common themes. Hatchet features a young man named Brian who faces
incredible odds to survive in the Canadian wilderness. The book won the Newberry
Award in 1987 and was made into a television movie called A Cry in the Wild. The
events of Hatchet include many of Paulsen's own experiences, and the book's coming
of age storyline, set against the backdrop of the great outdoors, is a common theme in
both Paulsen's life and his writing.
11. Which sentence best expresses the main idea of the third paragraph?
A. The events of Hatchet take place in the wilderness, and it is the only
book of Paulsen's that explores a coming of age theme.
B. Hatchet is a good example of Paulsen's writing because it uses many
of his own experiences and takes place in the wilderness.
C. Although it received the Newberry Award in 1987, Hatchet is
considered by many to be too violent for a young adult novel.
D. Gary Paulsen, like many authors, incorporates themes into his work,
and Hatchet centers on the theme of protecting the environment.
12. What is the main idea of paragraph 1?
A. Author Gary Paulsen
hunting often.
B. Author Gary Paulsen
experiences.
C. Author Gary Paulsen
animals.
D. Author Gary Paulsen
experiences.
learned to write by exploring in nature and
writes novels that include his own outdoor
writes nonfiction books on how to hunt and trap
writes novels about his painful childhood
13. The second paragraph of this passage is mainly about
A.
B.
C.
D.
the
the
the
the
hazardous terrain in northern Alaska.
author's experiences in the Iditarod.
author's love for his many pet dogs.
best way to train dogs for the Iditarod.
Dear Editor:
My name is Elisa Rodriguez, and I have enjoyed your newspaper for many years. It
is no surprise to me that The Daily Herald is the bestselling newspaper in our city. I
have especially enjoyed your series on technology. However, there is one issue that
your paper has not addressed yet.
Television stations are switching to digital broadcast signals this year. This means
that those of us who have used television antennas in the past can no longer use them.
In fact, I have learned that I will no longer be able to use my antenna at all. Instead, I
must purchase a digital converter box, subscribe to a cable or broadband service, or
buy a digital television.
I think the new digital television service is an issue that should be addressed by The
Daily Herald. I have already had to explain the issue to many of my friends and family
members. The community that daily enjoys your newspaper would benefit greatly from
learning about the new digital television service during your technology series. Thank
you for reading my letter.
Sincerely,
Elisa Rodriguez
14. What is the main idea of this letter?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The
The
The
The
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Herald
Herald
Herald
Herald
should
should
should
should
be the bestselling newspaper in the state.
supply new televisions for local readers.
print information about digital television.
cover more technology related issues.
The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in New Zealand on February 6, 1840. The
purpose of the treaty was to facilitate peaceful relations between white British settlers
and the native Māori people of New Zealand. Due to many differences between the
English and Māori translations of the treaty, there was confusion as to the exact details
of the treaty. Māori tribal leaders believed that they would regain land that had been lost
to the settlers and be treated as equal citizens of their homeland. The British view held
that the treaty guaranteed England's sovereignty over New Zealand, established a
British governor in the country, and gave British citizenship to the Māori people. The
Treaty of Waitangi was not ratified by the New Zealand Parliament and has limited
influence on the country's laws today.
Despite the debate over the Treaty of Waitangi, a public holiday was created in 1960
to celebrate its signing. Waitangi Day, which is celebrated each year on February 6th, is
a national holiday in New Zealand. It is also celebrated among the large Māori
population in England and in Māori communities around the world. Although Waitangi
Day events are sometimes met with protests by Māori activists, the day is most often
marked by a celebration of Māori culture. This holiday often involves public concerts,
festivals, cultural demonstrations, and educational events for children. For many,
Waitangi Day is a time to put aside controversy and celebrate the founding of New
Zealand.
15. What is the main idea of paragraph 2?
A.
B.
C.
D.
There was some confusion about the Treaty of Waitangi.
There are many Māori people living in England today.
Waitangi Day is always celebrated with public concerts.
Waitangi Day is still celebrated in spite of controversy.
16. The first paragraph is mainly about
A.
B.
C.
D.
white British settlers.
the native Māori people.
the Treaty of Waitangi.
Waitangi Day celebrations.
Dear Mayor Applebee,
I have been a proud citizen of the town of Fairview all of my life, and I currently
attend Fairview North High School. My family has owned land in this area for
generations, and we have always taken pride in being active in the local community. I
felt compelled to write a letter to you about an issue that should concern all citizens of
our lovely town. On March 31st, the Department of Transportation plans to tear down
the lovely Willshire Estate to make way for highway expansion. The Willshires were
among the first families to settle in Fairview, and their home has been the site of many
historic events. In fact, the signing of our town charter was conducted in their parlor.
The destruction of this historic landmark should not be allowed—especially when there
are so many wonderful things that could be done with the estate.
I would like for you to prevent the destruction of the Willshire Estate. Instead of
becoming a meaningless addition to the highway, this lovely piece of property could be
turned into a museum. The Willshires were always concerned with advancing the rights
of African Americans, and I believe they would be delighted to see their home turned
into a museum that honors a little-known African American inventor. Madam C.J.
Walker was the first woman to become a millionaire through her own business. She was
born into a poor family in 1867, and early in her life she worked as a laundress and
earned less than a dollar a day. In 1905, she created and marketed a hair care line
exclusively for African American women. Her money often went to support educational
and charitable organizations such as the NAACP. I believe that Madame Walker's
amazing life and legacy make her an excellent source for inspiring the next generation
of Fairview youth. Please consider my proposal as an alternative to destroying one of
our town's finest landmarks.
Sincerely,
Rosita Sanderson
17. Which sentence best describes the main idea of the passage?
A. "The Willshires were among the first families to settle in Fairview, and
their home has been the site of many historic events."
B. "My family has owned land in this area for generations, and we have
always taken pride in being active in the local community."
C. "Instead of becoming a meaningless addition to the highway, this
lovely piece of property could be turned into a museum."
D. "She was born into a poor family in 1867, and early in her life she
worked as a laundress and earned less than a dollar a day."
18. What is the main idea of the first paragraph of this letter?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The
The
The
The
Willshire family was interested in African American history.
Department of Transportation plans to expand the highway.
Willshire Estate is scheduled to be torn down on March 31st.
Fairview town charter was signed in the Willshire Estate parlor.
Attention All Night Owls!
On Saturday, May 5, flashing lights and eerie hoots will be seen and heard at the
Beatrix Potter Natural History Museum during the annual Night Owl Watch. The event
will begin at 7:00 p.m. with an informational program giving details about the various
owls native to the area. After the sun goes down at 7:45 p.m., event participants will be
given red-light flashlights (which do not disturb the owls' night vision) and allowed to
wander the 400 acre museum lot. The museum's nesting areas are home to over 25
different species of owls, and participants are almost guaranteed a look at these
mysterious night creatures.
The Night Owl Watch began as an attempt to increase awareness about endangered
species of owls. One of the Night Owl Watch's most popular attractions is the Spotted
owl (Strix occidentalis). Spotted owls are brown and white with cross-shaped markings
on their undersides. They usually weigh less than two pounds and reach a height of
about 17 inches. The Spotted owl is currently a threatened species according to the
United States' Endangered Species Act. The Beatrix Potter Natural History Museum
introduces local residents to these birds in the hopes that they will soon be restored to
greater numbers and allowed to flourish in their native habitat. Tickets to the Night Owl
Watch must be purchased in advance, and they can be obtained by calling Vera Miles,
president of the Owl Conservation Society.
19. Which sentence best expresses the main idea of paragraph 2?
A. The Spotted owl is one of the smaller species of owls at a height of
about seventeen inches.
B. The Night Owl Watch is intended to increase awareness about
endangered species of owls.
C. The small brown and white Spotted owl is one of the Museum's most
popular attractions.
D. Admission to the Night Owl Watch requires a ticket that must be
purchased in advance.
20. What is the main idea of the first paragraph?
A. Event participants will be given red-light flashlights because they do
not harm owls' night vision.
B. An event called the Night Owl Watch will be held at the Beatrix Potter
Natural History Museum.
C. At 7:00 p.m., an informational program will give details about the owls
that are native to the area.
D. Many species of owls, including the Spotted owl, are on the
endangered or threatened species list.
Answers
1. A
2. C
3. A
4. A
5. B
6. C
7. B
8. C
9. A
10. A
11. B
12. B
13. B
14. C
15. D
16. C
17. C
18. C
19. B
20. B
Explanations
1. The main idea of this passage is that Robin Lee Graham sailed around the
world in a ship named Dove.
2. The main idea of this passage is that Alexander Pope was famous for his
poetry and satire. The supporting details about Pope's poems and satirical
books help the reader understand the main idea.
3. The main idea of this selection is that the Society of Woman Geographers
is a professional organization. The other answer choices give details from the
passage that support the main idea.
4. The main idea of this passage is that Anna Burwell loved education and
turned her passion into the Burwell Female School. The information about
Burwell's family and students supports the main idea of the passage.
5. The final paragraph of this passage discusses the various ways in which
Aimee Mullins has found success outside of athletics. The paragraph
mentions acting, modeling, and volunteering with community service
organizations.
6. The first paragraph is mainly about the condition, called fibular
hemimelia, that caused Aimee Mullins to undergo a double amputation.
7. The second paragraph of this passage is mainly about the new records
Aimee Mullins set at the 1996 Paralympic Games in Georgia.
8. The second paragraph of this passage discusses safety issues in the
practice of parkour. The main idea of paragraph 2 is best expressed by the
sentence, "Traceurs, who pit their bodies against various types of obstacles,
often risk physical injury, and safety is an important concern."
9. The first paragraph gives several ways in which parkour is different from
extreme sports. "Parkour does not have much in common with extreme
sports" is the best way to state the main idea of paragraph 1.
10. The passage is mainly about Bethany Hamilton—a young surfer who was
injured by a tiger shark and recovered to compete in professional surfing
events.
11. The third paragraph is mainly about Paulsen's book Hatchet. The
paragraph mentions that this book is a good example of Paulsen's work
because it contains a coming of age theme and takes place in the
wilderness.
12. The main idea of the first paragraph is that Gary Paulsen writes novels
that are based on his own outdoor experiences.
13. The second paragraph of this passage is mainly about Gary Paulsen's
experiences with the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
14. The main idea of this letter is stated in the first sentence of the third
paragraph. The author, Elisa Rodriguez, states, "I think the new digital
television service should be addressed by The Daily Herald."
15. The main idea of paragraph 2 is stated in the first sentence: "Despite the
debate over the Treaty of Waitangi, a public holiday was created in 1960 to
celebrate its signing." The second paragraph tells the reader that Waitangi
Day is a holiday celebrated in spite of controversy.
16. The first paragraph is mainly about the Treaty of Waitangi. The
information about white British settlers and the native Māori people provides
supporting details to this main idea.
17. The author of this letter is writing to the mayor to request that a historic
piece of property be saved and turned into a museum. The sentence,
"Instead of becoming a meaningless addition to the highway, this lovely
piece of property could be used as a museum," best expresses the main idea
of the letter.
18. In the first paragraph of this letter, the author informs the mayor that
the Willshire Estate is scheduled to be torn down on March 31st. The estate's
destruction is the main idea of the first paragraph of the letter.
19. The second paragraph of this passage states that the purpose behind the
Night Owl Watch is to raise awareness for endangered owl species.
20. The first paragraph of this passage is mainly about an event called the
Night Owl Watch which will be held at the Beatrix Potter Natural History
Museum.
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