All standards
Reading: Informational Text4th Grade

RI.4.2

Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text.

For parents
Practice: 'What's the ONE big idea? Now give me three details that prove it.'
Free sample questions
  1. Question 1
    Plastic pollution is devastating ocean ecosystems. Over 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans each year. Sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish. Microplastics have been found in fish that humans eat. What is the main idea?
    • Plastic pollution is seriously harming ocean life
    • Sea turtles eat jellyfish
    • 8 million tons is a lot
    • Fish contain microplastics
  2. Question 2
    Ancient Rome's road system was an engineering marvel. Roman roads were built in layers — gravel, sand, and paving stones — designed to last centuries. Over 250,000 miles of roads connected the empire. Many of these roads are still visible today. Which detail BEST supports the main idea that Roman roads were remarkable?
    • Roads were made of gravel
    • Many roads are still visible centuries later
    • Rome had an empire
    • Roads connected cities
  3. Question 3
    Read the passage about bees, then answer the question. "Bees are amazing insects that play a super important role in nature. They are known for making honey, which is a sweet food that humans and other animals love to eat. But bees do much more than just make honey! When bees fly from flower to flower collecting nectar, they also carry tiny grains of pollen on their bodies. This movement of pollen helps plants make seeds and new plants. Without bees, many fruits, vegetables, and flowers would not be able to grow. There are many different kinds of bees, like honeybees and bumblebees, and they all work hard to help our planet." Which choice provides the best summary of the text?
    • Bees make sweet honey for humans and animals to eat, and they also fly around to different flowers.
    • Many kinds of bees, like honeybees and bumblebees, work hard every day to collect nectar for their hives.
    • Bees are important insects because they help plants grow new seeds by spreading pollen from flower to flower, and they also make honey.
    • Bees collect tiny grains of pollen on their bodies, which helps plants make new seeds and grow many fruits and vegetables.

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