Tidy Worksheets

Main idea worksheets

Read short paragraphs and choose the main idea, then find the main idea and details of a longer passage. There are 2 sheets here: choose the main idea and main idea and details. Pick one from the tray, print it, and add its answer key as a second page if you want one.

Worksheets
NameDate

Choose the main idea

Circle the best answer.

  1. Our class went to the farm. We fed the goats, picked apples, and rode on a hay wagon. What is the main idea?Goats eat apples.Our class had a busy day at the farm.Wagons have wheels.
  2. Penguins are birds that cannot fly. They use their wings like flippers to swim fast. They live mostly in the Southern Hemisphere. What is the main idea?Penguins are birds that swim instead of fly.Birds have wings.It is cold in the south.
  3. A good night's sleep helps you focus in school. Sleep helps your body grow and heal. It even keeps you in a better mood. What is the main idea?Sleep is good for you in many ways.School starts early.Beds are soft.
  4. Cheetahs can run about 60 miles an hour. Their long legs and flexible backs help them take huge strides. Their tails help them turn quickly. What is the main idea?Cheetahs have tails.A cheetah's body is built for speed.Cats like to sleep.
  5. Dad packed sandwiches. Mom grabbed the blanket. I carried the lemonade. We were ready for our picnic. What is the main idea?The family got ready for a picnic.Lemonade is sweet.Blankets are warm.
  6. Recycling paper saves trees. Recycling cans saves metal. Recycling bottles keeps plastic out of the ocean. What is the main idea?Cans are made of metal.Recycling helps the Earth in many ways.Bottles float.
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Using these sheets

Questions

What grade are these main idea worksheets for?

They suit grades 2 to 4. Each sheet in the tray practices it a different way, so you can pick the one that fits.

Is there an answer key?

Yes. Tick “add the answer key as page 2” before printing, or turn on Answer key to check work on screen.

Do I need an account to print?

No. The sheets print straight from this page, free, with no sign-up.

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