DIFFERENTIATED

Main Idea &

Supporting Details

Task Cards

Hi Teachers!
Thanks for purchasing this product! This purchase includes 16
passages (mostly non-fiction) with two sets of critical thinking,
differentiated questioning cards.
The first set focuses on main idea and details in a multiple, multiple
choice setup. The task may ask the student to pick the TWO best main
ideas from the choices given, or it may ask to select all the details from
the given choices that support the main idea from above. I use the first
one or two cards to model with my students that need more practice when
it comes to determining the main idea or seeking out details to support
the main idea.
The second set of question cards focuses on main idea and details
in a more open-ended way. The task may ask the student to create 1 or 2
main ideas for the passage, or may ask the student to list all the details
that support the main idea. Another task the student will come across will
be to create a title that captures what the paragraph is mostly about. I
use these cards to challenge my students who are comfortable with
determining the main ideas in different texts. **Please note that the
answer key is just a SAMPLE of possible answers-they will vary!**
What really worked in my classroom with these cards is the fact that
the passages are the SAME for either question set. Therefore, I could mix
and match which questions from each set I wanted to use depending on
the level of the students I was working with. I think its important for
ALL students to see the multiple, multiple choice setup in set 1, because
that correlates to how our state test questions work, but I think its just
as important to have some open-ended questions for critical thinking
purposes. Feel free to mix and match!
I usually print out the task cards, laminate, and place on binder
rings so the passages are easy to flip through. Then the question cards I
usually just print, laminate, and switch out depending on what group is
working at that particular center. However, there are multiple ways you
can integrate these cards into your teaching!
Recording sheets and answer keys are included for both question
sets. *Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions J
--Kyla Quinn

Keegan had just moved from Tennessee to Florida during the summer.
He was starting school in August and was extremely anxious about
meeting new friends at his new school. On his first day, his teacher
introduced all of the new students to the class. When Keegan said, Hi,
yall, everyone tried to hide their giggles because they werent used to a
southern accent. During P.E., Keegan tried to participate in a game of foursquare, but didnt quite understand the rules, and got out right away.
Perhaps the hardest part of trying to fit in occurred during lunch. Keegan
sat down at a table by himself, unwrapped his tinfoil covered sandwich, and
bit into a peanut butter and banana sandwich. Ewwww, some boys across
the cafeteria shouted at him. Keegan hung his head in defeat, until Jack and
Preston slid into the seats beside him. Whatcha eating? Jack asked. Just a
peanut butter and banana sandwich, Keegan answered. That sounds
DELICIOUS! Let me have a bite, Preston begged as he reached towards the
sandwich. Keegan happily tore off a bite of his meal and offered it to
Preston. Just what I thought, Preston said, licking his fingers, that was
divine. Im going to ask my mom to make me that lunch tomorrow! Keegan
smiled and thought to himself, Maybe this new school wont be so bad after
all.

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Phoebe was so excited to spend her spring break with her family in
Sarasota, Florida. She had vacationed there every year since she was a
little girl. Sarasota has so much to offer for a family from the mountains,
but perhaps her favorite place to visit while there was Siesta Key Beach,
one of the most beautiful, unique, and popular beaches around the world. In
fact, in 1987, there was a Great International White Sand Beach Challenge,
and Siesta Key Beach was recognized for having the whitest and finest sand
in the world. Since then, the beach has been voted the #1 beach in BOTH the
United States and the world! Most beaches are made up of coral, but Siesta
Beachs sand is 99% quartz, which is the reason you can walk on it barefoot,
on the hottest day, and not burn your feet. Its been said that the sand on
this beach is millions of years old and came from the Appalachians and
flowed down the rivers until it was deposited on the shores on Siesta Key.
This beach also offers a variety of activities to participate in while visiting:
tennis courts, volleyball areas, a playground, picnic tables, and concession
stands. It even is the home to sand sculpture contests and beach runs for
kids and families in the summertime! More than 1 million visitors make their
way to this beach a year!

Water, check. Batteries, check. Flashlights, check, my sister Suzi

read out loud, calmly, from my moms Hurricane Survival List. I
looked at my sister in disbelief-I couldnt understand how she could remain
so calm. Two months ago we studied how dangerous hurricanes could be.
My teacher, Mrs. Prine, explained that a hurricane is like a tropical storm,
but with much more powerful winds and heavy rain. They usually form in
tropical areas of the world and over warm water, because thats what it
uses to gain energy. As the hurricane moves towards land, they lose
strength, but can still be pretty dangerous. These storms are considered
hurricanes as soon as their wind reaches 74 mph or greater. When they hit
land, they can cause damage and destruction. Mrs. Prine then had us read a
nonfiction passage that gave facts about how hurricanes are often called
triple threats because they can create tornadoes, high waves off the
ocean, and flooding in the surrounding areas! In 2005, a hurricane hit New
Orleans and 80% of the city was flooded! At the end of the article a fact
was given that over 2 million people have been killed in the last 200 years
due to hurricanes. So, I ask myself again, HOW CAN MY SISTER BE SO
RELAXED? Suzi came over, put her arm around me, and said, Chill out, sis,
this is just a drill!

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Getting vitamin D is very important because it helps our bodies absorb
calcium which makes us have stronger, healthier bones. Thats where
the sunshine comes in! The sun is the top source of vitamin D. Everyone
needs some sun exposure, but its important to stay safe while enjoying
some rays. Read on to get some tips to help you enjoy the sunshine in
safety. First of all, you dont want to get a sunburn! The sun has ultraviolet
rays (UV rays) that can pass through air and clouds to get to your skin.
When your skin has been exposed to too many UV rays, you develop what
most know as a sunburn. You should always wear sunscreen with an SPF of
30 or higher. You will want to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Even
with sunscreen on, .you want to make sure to not be in direct sunlight for
too longtry to move to the shade or take a break indoors if you feel your
skin burning up. Also, your skin isnt the only thing you want to protect
from the sun. Your eyes are pretty sensitive to the UV rays, so you want
to find a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright sun.
Drinking water will help you stay hydrated while you enjoy some time
outside. After youve been sweating, you lose water that your body needs.
You may not even feel thirsty, but youll be doing your body a favor by
drinking plenty of water! Get outside, enjoy being a kid, and remember
these safety tips!

Look folks! the tour guide whispered into his microphone, if you
look to your right, youll see a cheetah! In unison, everyones head
whipped around to spot the beautiful animal along our Kenya Wildlife Safari.
How fast can a cheetah run? I asked mom. The tour guide must have
heard me because he immediately provided me with an answer. Cheetahs
can run at speeds of 60-70 miles per hour, making it the fastest mammal on
land! A cheetah can reach its fastest speed in just 3 seconds. I looked at
mom with a dumbfounded expression. That sure is fast, I said under my
breath. The tour guide continued, Its long tail is muscular with a flat
shape. They depend on their tails to help control their steering while
hunting for prey, and it also helps them keep their balance when running
through the wild at high speeds. The other feature that helps cheetahs
maintain their speed is their feet! They have semi non-retractable claws,
which gives the cheetah traction when running. Their pads on their feet are
hard, like the rubber on a tire, which allows them to grip the ground when
they are running. Mom leaned over to me and said, Their feet are sort of
like cleats, huh? Unfortunately, folks, cheetahs are Africas most
endangered big cat. There are only 10,000 left in the wild, the tour guide
ended, while driving away from the wondrous creature.

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Did you know that not all inventions were created on purpose or with
a vision in mind? In fact, some of the very things you use in today were
created by accident! Take Post-It Notes for example. In 1970, a research
company was trying to create a strong adhesive that would hold things
together. One researcher developed an adhesive, but it wasnt very strong,
so it was just pushed aside. Fast forward to four years later, and another
scientist, Arthur Fry, was getting annoyed by his bookmark that kept falling
out his book. He remembered the weak adhesive that was made and applied
it to his bookmark and found out that it would stay in place, and yet not
damage the book pages! Now Post-It Notes are one of the most popular
office products out in the supply market. Post-It Notes werent the only
accidentchocolate chip cookies were a complete mistake! In 1930, while
Ruth Wakefield, a baker, was making chocolate cookies for her customers,
she realized she was out of bakers chocolate. She substituted semisweetened chocolate to the dough, hoping it would turn the cookies into full
out chocolate ones. Instead, the chocolate did not mix or blend in with the
dough, and this is how the chocolate cookies came to be chocolate chip
cookies. Now, over seven billion chocolate chip cookies are purchased each
year! Just remember, not every invention starts with a plan of action! Who
knows what will accidently be created next?!

In my 30 years of being a reptile expert, I have heard many kids and

adults talk about their fascination for alligators and crocodiles. Many of
their conversations start with, How can you tell them apart? Over the
years, Ive recorded some similarities and differences between the two
reptiles and compiled a short fact sheet for your viewing pleasure!

Crocodiles & Alligators

They are BOTH reptiles.
Crocodiles have a lengthier, more V-shaped, whereas alligators have a
shorter and wider head that tend to be more U-shaped.
Alligators prefer freshwater to live in, while more crocodiles fancy
seawater.
Both reptiles come from the same order of animals called Crocodylia.
Crocodiles that are in the wild are found all over the world, but
alligators are really only found in the US and China.
Believe it or not, crocodiles are more aggressive than alligators.
Alligators and crocodiles can hold their breath for nearly an hour!
-Dr. Crocalley, 2015

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I recently took a poll of my classmates favorite season and compiled a
chart. I was surprised that many of my friends said their favorite
season was summer, due to the fact that school was not in session and they
could enjoy sleeping in! A couple of students chose winter as their favorite
season because they were able to participate in winter sports like
snowboarding. A few, including my teacher, favored spring because of all
the flowers that are in bloom during that time. However, out of the 20
students in my class I surveyed, 8 of them said fall was their favorite
seasonand Id have to agree! First of all, the weather in fall is so
enjoyable. I love the cooler temperatures, the change in the wind, and the
option to leave windows open in the house to let in fresh, cool, air. Also,
there are a lot of fun activities to participate in during fall months. Pumpkin
carving is one of my favorite things to do in the month of October. My dad
and I pick the largest pumpkin in the patch and map out what we are going
to carve. My aunt usually takes me for a hike and we collect different
colored leaves from the fall foliage going on around us. The colors are just
beautiful! One of my favorite things to do in fall is go apple picking with my
family. We get to pick the apples right off the tree and enjoy delicious apple
cider. There are exciting things to do during each season, but fall is my
favorite!

In the 1400s, sailors from central Europe were hesitant to travel

across sea. They were scared of all the dangerous obstacles they
thought they would come across based on the unknown parts of the
world. The maps actually showed these unexplored regions as dangerous
and frightening places. You see, back then, cartographers, or mapmakers,
didnt know what the world was really like, so they used their imagination to
create maps. First of all, they showed earth as a circle with Europe and
Asia in the center. The outer part of the circle was where swamps,
deserts, and the ocean, which was called the Sea of Darkness, were located.
Some mapmakers even said that one-eyed people and terrible monsters
lived there! Secondly, sailors were nervous about sailing in any direction at
this time because they truly believed that if they sailed north, they would
land on mountains made of ice. If they traveled south, they would stumble
into an ocean made out of fire and boiling water. Traveling east or west, in
their minds, would lead the sailors to falling off the earth, completely!
However, some of their concerns were based on real obstacles. For
example, the ships were made of wood and not metal as they are today. This
created some problems because the ships werent as durable and the
possibility of breaking into pieces, leaving the ship and sailors to sink.
Christopher Columbus changed this way of thinking when he set sail in 1492.

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If you were to turn on the weather channel today, youd be able to
hear about how much rainfall certain states or cities have had over
the past couple days, weeks, or months. Nowadays, rain gauges are used
to track how much rainfall a certain area has received during a storm.
But what about how much rainfall a certain area has received in the
past-before rain gauges or weather records? Thats where the study of
tree rings comes in. A trees trunk grows each year, and beneath its
bark, a tree adds a new layer of wood. These layers are called annual
rings. On some trees, all of the rings are the same width, but on other
trees, like the ponderosa pines (found in the American Southwest), the
rings have different widths. This is because the soil in the Southwest is
dry. The pines depend on rainfall for water. If there was a good amount
of rainfall, the rings are wider, but if the rainfall is minimal, then they
form narrow ones. Scientists are able to use a special tool that allows
them to remove a narrow piece of wood from the trunk without actually
harming the tree. The scientists then are able to look at the width of
each ring to see how much rain was accumulated in the year the ring
formed. Although not as easy as using a rain gauge, this method gives
scientists a look into the rainfall patterns in the past!

Usually a beaver colony is made up of three or four beaver

families. These beavers work together to build a dam made up
of sticks, stones, and mud. The pond that forms behind the dam is
where the beavers build a lodge, or their home. Checking their dam
every day, except in winter, ensures that the beavers will have a
safe place to live in the winter when the pond freezes over. A
beaver wouldnt be able to have this protection alone. Beavers
work hard together to check their lodge to see what needs to be
repaired, or decide if the lodge needs to be larger. They also
cooperate together to get food. They cut down trees with their
sharp teeth and eat the bark and the branches. Then in the fall,
they gather and store enough food in the lodge to make it through
the winter. Even the younger beavers have work they are
expected to do. They cut down smaller trees and work on the dam
and the lodge. If a heavy log creates an obstacle for one beaver,
then multiple beavers will put their heads or bodies against the log
and push until the log has reached its desired location.

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So many of our foods we love to eat can be grown right here
in the United States! The various types of soil and climate make this
possible. For example, oranges and grapefruit can be grown in southern
Florida and California, whereas cranberries prefer the damp, cool
ground of New England. However, there are at least two foods that
Americans love to eat that must be imported from other places: bananas
and chocolate! Bananas grow on tree-sized plants and they need heavy
rain, warm weather, and rich soil. If you live in the southern tip of
Florida, you may have luck growing some bananas for the occasional
banana smoothie, but all the bananas that are sold in grocery stores are
actually imported from Central America. Chocolate and cocoa are made
from the seeds of the cacao tree! Wouldnt you love to have this tree
hanging out in your backyard? Unfortunately, this tree only grows in the
warmest parts of the world like South American and Africa. Foods that
are from the United States cost less than those that have to imported to
us. The shipping costs adds to the price of these imported foods, but if
you are a lover of bananas and chocolate, then you probably dont mind
spending the extra money.

There was a time, not too long ago, where people in all
countries could fish and hunt whatever they pleased in the ocean.
Today though, many countries are required by law to protect many of
the sea animals. In the late 1800s there were tons of valuable fur
seals in the Bering Sea. People from all over the world set sail to hunt
the seals for their fur and the oil from their bodies. By 1910, only
130,000 seals were left. Everybody was surprised at the dwindling
number of seals and knew something had to be done to protect them.
Countries that were located near the seals home came together and
began planning ways to protect the seals. Japan, Russia, Canada, and
the United States came into agreement that it would be illegal to kill
seals in the open seas. This would protect seals on the rocky islands
where the animals had their young, too. Only male seals were allowed
to be hunted if they did not have a mate and then the money earned
from that seal would be split between the four countries. Luckily,
today the seals are also protected by animal protection laws that
were passed in 1984. Now large herds swim in the Bering Sea, once
again.

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Leaf-cutter ants live in the jungles of Central and South
America. The ants live off of a kind of fungus that does not
grow in the wild, therefore, the ants need to work hard to
raise it in gardens in their underground homes. They begin by
clearing roads that lead from the nest entrance to nearby
trees. Then they pull leaves from trees, drop and then carry
them to the ground. They continue by cutting the leaves into
larger pieces. From there, each ant carries a large piece of
leaf back to the nest. The ants look hidden because of how
large the piece of leaf is! The leaves are brought into the nest
where they are chewed up and spit out, becoming soil so that
the ants can plant their gardens. The climate in the nest needs
to be just right in order for the fungus to grow properly. In
order to do this, they close or open tunnels that let in air from
outside. When the queen is ready for a new nest, she takes a
bit of this fungus with her to create a new garden.

Most crabs have a hard shell that protects itself from prey,
unlike hermit crabs. Hermit crabs have a long, soft body, which
makes them an easy target to other fish. In order to stay safe from
prey, it needs to protect itself, so it moves into an empty shell
(usually from a snail or other kinds of sea animals). The shell the
hermit crab decides to move into, becomes its house-meaning
that the crab lives safely inside the shell with only its legs and eyes
sticking out from the shell opening. Why cant hermit crabs stay in
one shell throughout its life? Unfortunately, the shell cannot grow
in size as the hermit crab continues to grow. Therefore, the
hermit crab has to go on a hunt to find a shell that is just right for
its current size. When the hermit crab thinks its found a right sized
shell, it crawls out of its old one and into the new one to try on for
size. It cant be too large, or a fish could easily pull the crab out. If
the shell is too small, it wont be a comfortable home for the crab.
In a sense, the hermit crab is like Goldilocks.trying to find a home
thats just right!

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In the Colonial days, farm families worked long hourssometimes from sunrise to sunset. They didnt have time to
ride bikes with their friends, or share a meal with extended
family members. But sometimes, they were able to turn hard
work into a good time with their neighbors and friends. Indian
corn was a very important crop to the people in Virginia. In late
fall, when the weather had gotten colder, the corn was ready
to be harvested. The colonists had to pull ears of corn from
the dry stalks and store the ears of corn. They would make a
big pile of the ears of corn and then hold a corn-husking party.
While lighting the lanterns in a barn, neighboring families would
get together to husk the corn. Most of the corn was yellow or
white, but occasionally, a red ear was found! It was said that
whoever found that one was to have good luck for the year.
These corn-husking parties were a great way to enjoy other
peoples company while drinking cider and eating great food!

Part A: What is the main idea of the passage?

a. The students are mean to Keegan.
b.Keegan likes peanut butter and banana sandwiches.
c. At first Keegan has a difficult time fitting in, but in the end
hes made two new friends.
d. Keegan just moved from Tennessee to Florida in the summer.
Part B: Which three details from the passage best support the
main idea from Part A?
a. He was starting school in August and was extremely anxious
about meeting new friends at his new school.
b.When Keegan said, Hi, yall, everyone tried to hide their
giggles because they werent used to a southern accent.
c. Ewww, some boys across the cafeteria shouted at him.
d. Keegan smiled and thought to himself, Maybe this new school
wont be so bad after all.

Set 1

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Part A: What is the main idea of the passage?
a. Phoebe cant wait to visit Sarasota, Florida.
b.Siesta Key Beach is one of the most beautiful, unique,
and popular beaches in the world.
c. The sand is made up of pure quartz.
d. There are so many activities to participate in on Siesta, but
also in the town of Sarasota itself.
Part B: Select all the details from the passage that best support the
main idea from Part A?
a. She had vacationed there every year since she was a little girl.
b.Siesta Key Beach was recognized for having the whitest and
finest sand in the world.
c. More than 1 million visitors make their way to this beach a year!
d. The beach offers a variety of activities to participate in while
visiting.
Set 1

Part A: What is the main idea of the passage?

a. Hurricanes can be very dangerous.
b.Its important to be prepared for a hurricane.
c. Hurricanes can create tornadoes and cause flooding.
d. Suzi is letting her sister think there really is a hurricane
coming.
Part B: Which detail from the passage does not support the main
idea from Part A?
a. When they hit land, they can cause damage and destruction.
b.Hurricanes are often called triple threats because they can
create tornadoes, high waves off the ocean, and flooding in the
surrounding areas!
c. My teacher, Mrs. Prine, explained that a hurricane is like a
tropical storm.
d. Over 2 million people have been killed in the last 200
Set 1
years due to hurricanes.

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Part A: What is the main idea of the passage?
a. Having any sun exposure is unhealthy for you.
b.You want to wear sunscreen while being in the sun.
c. Getting vitamin D helps your bones stay strong and healthy.
d. There are many benefits to getting exposure from the sun,
but its important to take safety precautions while enjoying the
sunshine.
Part B: Select all the details from the passage that best support the
main idea from Part A.
a. Vitamin D from the sun helps our body absorb calcium.
b.You should always wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
c. Your eyes are pretty sensitive to the UV rays, so you want to find
a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes.
d. Drinking water will help you stay hydrated while you enjoy some
time outside.

Set 1

Part A: What is the main idea of the passage?

a. Cheetahs are extremely fast animals and have many
features that help them maintain their top speeds.
b. Cheetahs are considered endangered.
c. Cheetahs can run at speeds of 60-70 miles per hour and have a
tail that helps keep their balance.
d. Cheetahs are beautiful creatures that still live in the wild.

Part B: Which detail from the passage does not support the main
idea from Part A?
a. They have semi non-retractable claws, which gives the cheetah
traction when running.
b.There are only 10,000 cheetahs left in the wild.
c. They depend on their tails to help control their steering while
hunting for prey.
d. Cheetahs can run at speeds of 60-70 miles per hour.
Set 1

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Part A: Which TWO ideas could be a main idea for the passage?
a. The Post-It Notes originated the idea of a bookmark and the
chocolate chip cookies were supposed to be just chocolate
cookies.
a. The Post-It Notes and the chocolate chips cookies were
the only inventions created by mistake.
c. Some inventions were created by accident.
d. Not every invention was created with a purpose or vision in mind.
Part B: Select which detail from the passage best supports the
main ideas from Part A.
a. Now, over seven billion chocolate chip cookies are purchased
each year
b.Arthur Fry remembered a weak adhesive that was made earlier,
placed it on his bookmark, and realized his bookmark stayed in
place!
c. Now, Post-It Notes are one of the most popular office
Set 1
products.

Part A: What is the main idea of the passage?

a. There are more differences than similarities when
comparing/contrasting alligators and crocodiles.
b. There are many similarities and differences between
alligators and crocodiles.
c. Dr. Crocalley is very knowledgeable about reptiles.
d. Alligators and crocodiles are both dangerous.

Part B: Select all the details from the passage that best support
the main idea from Part A?
a. They are BOTH reptiles.
b.Crocodiles are more aggressive than alligators.
c. Alligators and crocodiles can hold their breath for nearly an
hour.
d. Alligators prefer freshwater to live in, while more crocodiles
fancy seawater.
Set 1

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Part A: What is the main idea of the passage?
a. The narrators favorite season is fall because of the many
activities available during that time.
b. There are many activities to do during each season.
c. Everybody in the narrators class has different opinions about
their favorite season.
d. During fall, one can go apple picking, carve pumpkins, or go on a
scenic hike.
Part B: Select which details from the passage best support the
main idea from Part A.
a. My aunt usually takes me for a hike and we collect different
colored leaves.
b.The weather in fall is so enjoyable.
c. I was surprised that many of my friends said their favorite
season was summer.
d. The flowers in bloom during that time.

Set 1

Part A: Which would be a good title for this paragraph?

a. The Life of a Mapmaker
b. Christopher Columbus takes on Unknown Regions
c. One-Eyed People and Monsters
d. Fears of Early Sailors

Part B: Select all the details from the passage that best support
the title you chose from Part A?
a. Christopher Columbus changed this way of thinking when he
set sail in 1492.
b.If the sailors sailed north, they thought they would land on
mountains made of ice.
c. The ships were made of wood and not metal.
d. The outer part of the circle on the map showed swamps,
deserts, and the Sea of Darkness.

Set 1

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Part A: What is the main idea of the passage?
a. Rain gauges are used to track the amount of rainfall
during a storm or a certain period of time.
b. Tree rings vary in size and width.
c. Scientists sometimes study tree rings to find out how much
rainfall a certain area has had in the past.
d. Scientists have to use a tool to help remove a piece of wood from
the trunk, so they do not destroy the entire tree.
Part B: Select which details from the passage best support the
main idea from Part A.
a. If there was a good amount of rainfall, the rings are wider, but if
the rainfall is minimal, then they form narrow ones.
b.Nowadays, rain gauges are used to track how much rainfall a
certain area has received during a storm.
c. The scientists look at the width of each ring to see how much
rain was accumulated in the year the ring formed.

Set 1

Part A: What is the main idea of the passage?

a. A colony of beavers is made up of three or four beaver
families.
b. Working together can help you succeed in life.
c. Beavers work together to ensure they can survive through
winter.
d. Beavers work hard to make sure they have enough food.
Part B: Select all the details from the passage that best support
the main idea you chose from Part A?
a. Beavers check their dam every day to make sure they will have
a safe place to live in the winter months.
b.They also cooperate together to get food.
c. If a heavy log creates an obstacle for one beaver, then multiple
beavers will put their heads or bodies against the log and push.
d. Usually a beaver colony is made up of three or four beaver
families.

Set 1

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Part A: What is the main idea of the passage?
a. Foods that are imported from other places are expensive.
b. There are some foods that Americans love to eat that generally
do not grow in the United States.
c. There are many crops that can be grown in the United States.
d. Bananas and chocolate are delicious foods that are grown in cold
areas.
Part B: Select which details from the passage best support the
main idea from Part A.
a. People spend extra money on bananas and chocolate.
b.The bananas that are sold in grocery stores are actually
imported from Central America.
c. Chocolate and cocoa are made from the seeds of the cacao tree.
d. The cocoa tree grows in the warmest parts of the world like
South America and Africa.

Set 1

Part A: Which would be the best title for this paragraph?

a. Saving the Seals
b. Stop the Hunt
c. Treasures of the Bering Sea
d. Seal Fur
Part B: Select all the details from the passage that best support
the title you chose from Part A?
a. Four countries came together to plan ways to protect the
seals.
b.People from all over the world set sail to hunt the seals for
their fur and oil.
c. Today seals are protected by animal protection laws.
d. Male seals, who did not have a mate, were still allowed to be
hunted.

Set 1
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Part A: What is this passage mostly about?
a. South American jungles.
b. The queen ant leading the other ants in the act of growing
fungus.
c. The amount of time it takes to grow fungus for leaf-cutter
ants.
d. The steps it takes for leaf-cutter ants to grow fungus.
Part B: Select which detail(s) from the passage does not support
the main idea from Part A.
a. They begin by clearing roads that lead from the nest entrance to
nearby trees.
b.The ants look hidden because of how large the piece of leaf is!
c. Then they pull leaves from trees, drop and then carry them to
the ground.
d. They continue by cutting the leaves into larger pieces.

Set 1

Part A: What is this passage mostly about?

a. All crabs have shells that protect itself.
b. Hermit crabs finding the right house for their size.
c. A hermit crabs shell protects it from prey.
d. Hermit crabs sometimes take shells from snails in order to have
protection over their bodies.
Part B: Select which details from the passage support the main
idea from Part A.
a. Hermit crabs have a long, soft body, which makes them an easy
target to other fish.
b.Unfortunately, the shell cannot grow in size as the hermit crab
continues to grow.
c. The hermit crab has to go on a hunt to find a shell that is just
right for its current size.
d. It cant be too large, or a fish could easily pull the crab out.

Set 1

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part A: Which would be the best title for this paragraph?
a. Corn Husking and Company
b. How to Corn Husk
c. The Good Luck Corn
d. Life in the Colonial Days

Part B: Select all the details from the passage that best support
the title you chose from Part A?
a. Most of the corn was yellow or white, but occasionally, a red
ear was found!
b.It was said that whoever found the red eared corn was to have
good luck for the year!
c. These corn-husking parties were a great way to enjoy other
peoples company while drinking cider and eating great food!
d. The colonists had to pull ears of corn from the dry stalks and
Set 1
store the ears of corn.

Part A: What is the main idea of the passage?

a. The students are mean to Keegan.

b. Keegan likes peanut butter and banana sandwiches.

c. At first Keegan has a difficult time fitting in, but in the end
hes made two new friends.

d. Keegan just moved from Tennessee to Florida in the
summer.

Part B: Which three details from the passage best support the
main idea from Part A?
a. He was starting school in August and was extremely anxious
about meeting new friends at his new school.
b.When Keegan said, Hi, yall, everyone tried to hide their
giggles because they werent used to a southern accent.
c. Ewww, some boys across the cafeteria shouted at him.
d. Keegan smiled and thought to himself, Maybe this new school
wont be so bad after all.
Set 2

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part A: What is the main idea of the passage?

a.Phoebe cant wait to visit Sarasota, Florida.
b.Siesta Key Beach is one of the most beautiful,
unique, and popular beaches in the world.
c. The sand is made up of pure quartz.
d. There are so many activities to participate in on
Siesta, but also in the town of Sarasota itself.

Part B: List two details from the passage that support

your main idea choice in Part A.

Set 2

Based on the details below, create a main idea

that would fit these details from the passage.
*When hurricanes hit land, they can cause
damage and destruction.
*Hurricanes are often called triple threats
because they can create tornadoes, high waves
off the ocean, and flooding in the surrounding
areas!
*Over 2 million people have been killed in the last
200 years due to hurricanes.

Set 2

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part A: What is the main idea of the

passage?

Part B: List at least three details from

the passage to support your main idea
sentence in part A.
Set 2

Part A: What is the main idea of the

passage?

Part B: Provide a detail from the

passage that does not support the main
idea from Part A.
Set 2
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part A: Create a main idea for the

passage.
Part B: List a detail from the passage
to support your main idea from
Part A.

Set 2

Based on the details below, create a main idea

that would fit these details from the passage:
*Crocodiles are more aggressive than alligators.
*Alligators and crocodiles can hold their breath for
nearly an hour.
*Alligators prefer freshwater to live in, while
crocodiles fancy seawater.
*They are BOTH reptiles.

Set 2

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part A: Create a main idea for the

passage.
Part B: List two details from the
passage to support your main idea
from Part A.

Set 2

Part A: Create a title for the

passage.
Part B: Provide two details from the
passage to help support the title you
created from Part A.
Set 2
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part A: Create a main idea for the

passage.
Part B: List a detail from the passage
to support your main idea from
Part A.

Set 2

Part A: Create a main idea for the

passage.
Part B: Find a detail from the passage
that does not support the main idea
from Part A.
Set 2
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part A: Create a main idea for the

passage.
Part B: Select which details from the passage best support the
main idea from Part A.

a. People spend extra money on bananas and chocolate.

b. The bananas that are sold in grocery stores are actually
imported from Central America.

c. Chocolate and cocoa are made from the seeds of the cacao
tree.

d. The cocoa tree grows in the warmest parts of the world like
South America and Africa.

Set 2

Part A: Provide a title that would

match the passages main idea.
Part B: List two details from the
passage that will support the title
you created in Part A.
Set 2
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part A: Explain what the passage is

mostly about.

Part B: If you were to get rid of a

detail that didnt fit in with the rest
of the passages main idea-which
detail would it be?
Set 2

Part A: Create a main idea for the

passage.
Part B: List at least two details from
the passage to support your main
idea from Part A.

Set 2
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part A: Create a title for the

passage.
Part B: Provide a detail from the
passage to help support the title you
created from Part A.
Set 2

Main Idea & Details

Recording Sheet- Set 1

Name: ___________

Directions: Make sure paragraph cards and questions cards are in order 1-16. Read each
paragraph and then record the corresponding question answers in the boxes below.

PART A

PART B

PART A

1.

9.

2.

10.

3.

11.

4.

12.

5.

13.

6.

14.

7.

15.

8.

16.
Main Idea & Details
Recording Sheet- Set 1

PART B

Name: ___________

Directions: Make sure paragraph cards and questions cards are in order 1-16. Read each
paragraph and then record the corresponding question answers in the boxes below.

PART A

PART B

PART A

1.

9.

2.

10.

3.

11.

4.

12.

5.

13.

6.

14.

7.

15.

8.

16.

PART B

Main Idea & Details

Recording Sheet- Set 2

Name: ___________

Directions: Make sure paragraph cards and questions cards are in order 1-16.
Read each paragraph and then record the corresponding question answers in
the boxes below.

PART A
1.
2.

3.
4.

5.
6.

7.
8.

PART B

Main Idea & Details

Recording Sheet- Set 2

Name: ___________

Directions: Make sure paragraph cards and questions cards are in order 1-16.
Read each paragraph and then record the corresponding question answers in
the boxes below.

PART A
9.

10.

11.
12.
13.

14.
15.

16.

PART B

ANSWER KEY
SET 1
PART A

PART B

PART A

PART B

1. C

B, C, D

9. D

B, C, D

2. B

B, C

10. C

A, C

3. A

11. C

A, B, C

4. D

A, B, C, D

12. B

B, D

5. A

13. A

A, C

6. C, D

14. D

7. B

A, B, C, D

15.B

B, C, D

8. A

A,B

16. A

C, D

SET 2

SAMPLE ANSWER KEY

*ANSWERS WILL VARY*

PART A

PART B

1. C

B, C, D

2. B

*Siesta Key Beach was recognized for

having the whitest and finest sand in
the world.
*More than 1 million visitors make their
way to this beach a year!

3. Hurricanes can be very dangerous.

4. There are many benefits to getting
exposure from the sun, but its
important to take safety precautions
while enjoying the sunshine.

5. Cheetahs are extremely fast

animals and have many features that
help them maintain their top speed.

6. Some inventions were created by

accident.

*Vitamin D from the sun helps our body

absorb calcium.
*You should always wear sunscreen
with an SPF of 30 or higher.
*Drinking water will help you stay
hydrated while you enjoy some time
outside.
There are only 10,000 cheetahs left in
the wild.

Arthur Fry remembered a weak adhesive

that was made earlier, place it on his
bookmark, and realized his bookmark
stayed in place!

7. There are many similarities and differences between alligators and crocodiles.
8. The narrators favorite season is
fall because of the many activities
available during that time.

9. Fears of Early Sailors

*My aunt usually takes me for a hike

and we collect different colored leaves.
*The weather in fall is so enjoyable.
*If sailors sailed north, they thought
they would land on mountains made of
ice.
*The outer part of the circle on the
map showed swamps, deserts, and the
Sea of Darkness.

SET 2

SAMPLE ANSWER KEY

*ANSWERS WILL VARY*

PART A

PART B

10. Scientists sometimes study tree

*The scientists look at the width of

each ring to see how much rain was
accumulated in the year the ring
formed.

rings to find out how much rainfall a

certain area has had in the past.

11. Beavers work together to ensure

they can survive through winter.

12. There are some foods that

*Usually a beaver colony is made up of

three or four beaver families.

B, D

Americans love to eat that generally do

not grow in the United States.

13. Saving the Seals

*Four countries came together to plan

ways to protect the seals.
*Today seals are protected by the
animal protection laws.

14. The steps it takes for leaf-cutter

The ants look hidden because of how

large the piece of leaf is!

ants to grow fungus.

15. Hermit crabs finding the right

house for their size.

16. Corn Husking and Company

*Unfortunately, the shell cannot grow

in size as the hermit crab continues to
grow.
*The hermit crab has to go on a hunt
to find a shell that is just right for its
current size.
*These corn-husking parties were a
great way to enjoy other peoples
company while drinking cider and eating
great food!

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