Daily Reading Practice

Day 2 of 5
Grade 3 ELA | Central Idea | Part A/Part B Format
FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.3.R.2.2 - Identify the central idea and explain how relevant details support that idea in a text.
IXL Skills: Determine the central idea of a passage; Use key details to determine the central idea
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Directions: Read the informational passage below carefully. Then answer the questions that follow. Think about the main idea the author wants you to understand and the details that support it.
Amazing Animal Helpers

Dogs do more than just play fetch and cuddle on the couch. Many dogs have special jobs that help people every day. These working dogs are trained to do tasks that humans cannot do as well.

Guide dogs help people who cannot see. They lead their owners safely across streets and around obstacles. These dogs learn to stop at curbs and stairs to keep their owners safe.

Search and rescue dogs use their powerful noses to find people who are lost or trapped. After earthquakes or other disasters, these dogs can smell people buried under rubble. Their work has saved many lives.

Therapy dogs visit hospitals and nursing homes to cheer up patients. Studies show that petting a dog can lower stress and make people feel happier. These gentle dogs are trained to stay calm around medical equipment and wheelchairs.

Service dogs assist people with disabilities. Some dogs can open doors, pick up dropped items, or even alert deaf people to important sounds like doorbells or fire alarms.

All of these working dogs share something special: they are dedicated helpers that make life better for the people they serve.

Questions 1-2: Central Idea
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
What is the CENTRAL IDEA of this passage?
A
Dogs make better pets than other animals.
B
Dogs can be trained to do many important jobs that help people.
C
Guide dogs are the most important type of working dog.
D
All dogs should be trained to help people.
Part B
Which sentence from the passage BEST supports the central idea in Part A?
A
"Dogs do more than just play fetch and cuddle on the couch."
B
"Studies show that petting a dog can lower stress."
C
"These dogs learn to stop at curbs and stairs."
D
"These working dogs are trained to do tasks that humans cannot do as well."
Practice this skill on IXL: Determine the central idea of a passage
Questions 3-4: Supporting Details
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
According to the passage, what do ALL working dogs have in common?
A
They all work in hospitals.
B
They all use their sense of smell.
C
They are all dedicated helpers that make life better for people.
D
They all help people who cannot see.
Part B
Which detail from the passage BEST supports your answer in Part A?
A
"Guide dogs help people who cannot see."
B
"All of these working dogs share something special: they are dedicated helpers."
C
"Search and rescue dogs use their powerful noses."
D
"Therapy dogs visit hospitals and nursing homes."
Practice this skill on IXL: Use key details to determine the central idea
FAST Success Kit | Grade 3 Daily Reading Practice | Day 2
FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.3.R.2.2 | Lexile: 530L-650L
Practice questions mirror Florida FAST assessment Part A/Part B format
Back to Grade 3 ELA
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Answer Key (Teacher Reference)

Question 1 Part A: B - Dogs can be trained to do many important jobs that help people.
The passage describes multiple types of working dogs, all trained to help people in different ways.
Question 1 Part B: D - "These working dogs are trained to do tasks that humans cannot do as well."
This sentence directly states the central idea about dogs being trained for helpful tasks.
Question 2 Part A: C - They are all dedicated helpers that make life better for people.
This is stated directly in the conclusion as what all working dogs share.
Question 2 Part B: B - "All of these working dogs share something special: they are dedicated helpers."
This sentence explicitly states what all working dogs have in common.