Year 5 English: Determine the Main Idea of a Passage

What is the Main Idea?

When we read a passage, we want to understand what it is mostly about. The main idea is the most important point or the central message of that passage. It tells us what the writer wants us to know or think about after reading.

Why is the Main Idea Important?

Knowing the main idea helps us:

• Understand the text better.
• Summarise what we’ve read.
• Answer questions about the text.

How to Find the Main Idea

Here are some steps to help you determine the main idea:

1. Read the Passage Carefully: Start by reading the whole passage without rushing.
2. Look for Key Details: Pay attention to the details that are repeated or emphasized. These often relate to the main idea.
3. Ask Questions: After reading, ask yourself:
   • What is the passage mostly about?
   • What is the author trying to tell me?
4. Summarise: Try to put the passage into one sentence. This sentence should capture the main idea.

Tips and Tricks

• Topic Sentence: Often, the main idea is found in the first or last sentence of a paragraph.
• Look for Clues: Words like “mainly”, “most important”, or “key point” can signal the main idea.
• Visualise: Drawing a picture or a mind map can help you see connections between ideas.

Examples

Example Passage 1

Passage: “Dogs are known for their loyalty. They are often called ‘man’s best friend’ because they are loving and protective. Many people enjoy having dogs as pets because they can be trained to do tricks and provide companionship.”

Main Idea: Dogs are loyal pets that offer companionship.

Example Passage 2

Passage: “Plastic pollution is a serious issue affecting our oceans. Many sea creatures mistake plastic for food, which can harm them. Reducing our use of plastic can help protect marine life.”

Main Idea: Plastic pollution harms ocean life, and we can help by using less plastic.

Practice Questions

Easy Level Questions

1. What is the main idea of the passage about cats?
2. Summarise the paragraph about the importance of trees.
3. What does the writer mainly discuss in the passage about summer?
4. Identify the main idea in the text about recycling.
5. What is the key point in the story about a brave firefighter?
6. What is the main idea of a passage on healthy eating?
7. Summarise the paragraph about the solar system.
8. What does the author mainly tell us about sports?
9. Identify the key idea in the text about friendship.
10. What is the main message in the passage on climate change?
11. What is the main idea of the passage about the importance of exercise?
12. Summarise the paragraph about animals in the zoo.
13. What does the writer mainly discuss in the passage about books?
14. Identify the main point in the story about a lost dog.
15. What is the key idea in the text about the seasons?
16. What is the main idea of the passage on school rules?
17. Summarise the paragraph about the benefits of sleep.
18. What does the author mainly tell us about music?
19. Identify the main idea in the text about space exploration.
20. What is the key point in the passage about helping others?

Medium Level Questions

1. What is the main idea of the passage about technology?
2. Summarise the paragraph on the history of the Olympics.
3. What does the writer mainly discuss in the passage about pollution?
4. Identify the main idea in the text about the importance of learning.
5. What is the key point in the story about a magical adventure?
6. What is the main idea of the passage about animals in the wild?
7. Summarise the paragraph about the benefits of teamwork.
8. What does the author mainly tell us about different cultures?
9. Identify the main idea in the text about the environment.
10. What is the main message in the passage on the importance of family?
11. What is the main idea of the passage about the solar eclipse?
12. Summarise the paragraph about the water cycle.
13. What does the writer mainly discuss in the passage about historical events?
14. Identify the main point in the story about a young inventor.
15. What is the key idea in the text about the impact of social media?
16. What is the main idea of the passage on endangered species?
17. Summarise the paragraph about the benefits of volunteering.
18. What does the author mainly tell us about space travel?
19. Identify the main idea in the text about famous artists.
20. What is the key point in the passage about healthy habits?

Hard Level Questions

1. What is the main idea of the passage regarding renewable energy?
2. Summarise the paragraph about the effects of climate change on wildlife.
3. What does the writer mainly discuss in the passage about globalisation?
4. Identify the main idea in the text about the significance of literature.
5. What is the key point in the story about the evolution of technology?
6. What is the main idea of the passage about mental health awareness?
7. Summarise the paragraph about the challenges of space exploration.
8. What does the author mainly tell us about the future of education?
9. Identify the main idea in the text about cultural diversity.
10. What is the main message in the passage on the importance of critical thinking?
11. What is the main idea of the passage about the impact of climate on human life?
12. Summarise the paragraph about the role of government in society.
13. What does the writer mainly discuss in the passage about economic growth?
14. Identify the main point in the story about a scientist’s discovery.
15. What is the key idea in the text about the significance of public health?
16. What is the main idea of the passage about the relationship between art and society?
17. Summarise the paragraph about the importance of biodiversity.
18. What does the author mainly tell us about the effects of technology on communication?
19. Identify the main idea in the text about global water scarcity.
20. What is the key point in the passage about the role of youth in social change?

Answers and Explanations

Easy Level Answers

1. Cats make great pets.
2. Trees provide oxygen and homes for animals.
3. Summer is warm and fun for holidays.
4. Recycling helps the environment.
5. A firefighter saved lives.
6. Healthy eating keeps us strong.
7. The solar system has many planets.
8. Sports keep us active and healthy.
9. Friendship is important for happiness.
10. Climate change is affecting our planet.
11. Exercise is good for our bodies.
12. Zoos protect endangered animals.
13. Books can teach us many things.
14. A lost dog found its way home.
15. Seasons change the weather.
16. School rules help keep us safe.
17. Sleep helps us feel better.
18. Music brings people together.
19. Space exploration helps us learn more.
20. Helping others makes a difference.

Medium Level Answers

1. Technology is changing our lives.
2. The Olympics celebrate athletic achievement.
3. Pollution harms our environment.
4. Learning is essential for growth.
5. A magical adventure teaches life lessons.
6. Wild animals play a role in nature.
7. Teamwork leads to success.
8. Different cultures enrich our lives.
9. Protecting the environment is important.
10. Family provides support and love.
11. A solar eclipse is a rare event.
12. The water cycle is vital for life.
13. Historical events shape our world.
14. A young inventor created something new.
15. Social media impacts communication.
16. Endangered species need protection.
17. Volunteering helps the community.
18. Space travel expands our knowledge.
19. Famous artists inspire creativity.
20. Healthy habits promote well-being.

Hard Level Answers

1. Renewable energy is crucial for sustainability.
2. Climate change is threatening wildlife habitats.
3. Globalisation connects different cultures and economies.
4. Literature reflects society and influences change.
5. Technology evolves and impacts our daily lives.
6. Mental health awareness is important for well-being.
7. Space exploration faces many challenges.
8. The future of education is evolving with technology.
9. Cultural diversity enriches societies.
10. Critical thinking helps us make informed decisions.
11. Climate affects human health and activities.
12. Government plays a role in community welfare.
13. Economic growth affects everyone’s lives.
14. A scientist’s discovery can change the world.
15. Public health is essential for a thriving society.
16. Art reflects societal values and issues.
17. Biodiversity is vital for ecological balance.
18. Technology changes how we communicate.
19. Global water scarcity is a pressing issue.
20. Youth play a significant role in driving change.

With these explanations and questions, I hope you feel more confident about determining the main idea of a passage! Keep practising, and you’ll improve your reading skills even more.