Central Idea & Supporting Details

Passage 1: Recycling Helps Our Planet

Recycling is one of the best ways to help the Earth. When we recycle paper, we save trees that would be cut down to make new paper. Recycling plastic keeps it out of the oceans, where it can hurt sea animals. Aluminum cans can be recycled and turned into new cans over and over again. This saves energy because making new aluminum uses much more power. Every family that recycles makes a difference for our planet!

Questions About Passage 1

1. What is the TOPIC of this passage?

2. What is the CENTRAL IDEA of this passage?

○ A. Aluminum cans can be recycled many times. ○ B. Recycling is one of the best ways to help the Earth. ○ C. Trees are cut down to make paper. ○ D. Plastic can hurt sea animals.

3. Which detail BEST supports the central idea?

○ A. Recycling uses less energy than making new products. ○ B. Many families have recycling bins. ○ C. The Earth is a planet. ○ D. Paper comes from trees.

4. How does the detail about plastic in oceans support the central idea?

Passage 2: The Busy Life of Ants

Ants are some of the hardest working creatures on Earth. They work together all day long to find food for their colony. Some ants are farmers who grow tiny mushrooms underground. Others are soldiers who protect the colony from danger. Worker ants can carry objects that are 50 times their own body weight! The queen ant's only job is to lay eggs so the colony can grow. Every ant has a job, and they never stop working.

Questions About Passage 2

5. What is the CENTRAL IDEA of this passage?

6. Which detail supports the idea that ants work hard?

○ A. Ants live in colonies. ○ B. Worker ants can carry 50 times their body weight. ○ C. Ants are small insects. ○ D. The queen ant lays eggs.

7. List TWO details from the passage that support the central idea:

Detail 1:

Detail 2:

Passage 3: Why We Need Sleep

Getting enough sleep is very important for kids. When you sleep, your body grows and repairs itself. Your brain uses sleep time to remember what you learned during the day. Kids who get enough sleep do better in school and feel happier. Without enough sleep, it's hard to pay attention and you might get sick more often. Doctors say kids need about 10 hours of sleep each night. Sleep is like food for your brain and body!

Questions About Passage 3

8. What is the CENTRAL IDEA?

○ A. Kids need about 10 hours of sleep. ○ B. Getting enough sleep is very important for kids. ○ C. Sleep helps your body grow. ○ D. Kids who don't sleep enough get sick.

9. Which detail does NOT support the central idea?

○ A. Your brain remembers what you learned while you sleep. ○ B. Kids who sleep enough do better in school. ○ C. Doctors are people who help us stay healthy. ○ D. Without sleep, it's hard to pay attention.

10. The author compares sleep to food. How does this support the central idea?

Passage 4: The Amazing Octopus

The octopus has many ways to protect itself from predators. When scared, an octopus can squirt ink to confuse enemies and escape. It can also change colors to blend in with rocks and coral. The octopus has no bones, so it can squeeze into tiny spaces to hide. If a predator grabs one of its arms, the octopus can break it off and grow a new one later. With all these tricks, the octopus is a master of survival.

Questions About Passage 4

11. What is the CENTRAL IDEA of this passage?

12. Which sentence from the passage BEST states the central idea?

○ A. "The octopus has many ways to protect itself from predators." ○ B. "When scared, an octopus can squirt ink." ○ C. "The octopus has no bones." ○ D. "It can also change colors."

13. How does the detail about changing colors support the central idea?

14. The passage says the octopus is a "master of survival." List THREE details that prove this: