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Main Idea Diagnostic Reading Comprehension Questions — 3rd Grade ELA (with Answer Key)

Reading Comprehension Questions
Grade 3
English

Main Idea Diagnostic Reading Comprehension Questions — 3rd Grade ELA (with Answer Key)

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________________

Directions

Hi there! Today you are going to read two short stories. After each story, you will answer some questions to show how well you understand the main idea. The main idea is what the story is mostly about. Read carefully and do your best!


Passage A: Masters of Disguise

Have you ever seen a rock move? If you are under the ocean, that "rock" might actually be an octopus! Octopuses are amazing at hiding from other animals. They have special skin that can change color in a blink of an eye. If an octopus sits on a sandy floor, it turns tan and bumpy. If it hides in colorful coral, it can turn bright red or orange.
Changing color is not their only trick. Octopuses can also change the shape of their skin. They can make their skin look smooth like glass or rough like a stone. Some octopuses even tuck their arms in to look like a sea shell. By blending in, they can stay safe from hungry sharks and whales. These clever animals use their bodies like a costume to stay hidden in the deep blue sea. Most octopuses live for only a few years. Being a master of disguise is the best way for an octopus to survive.

Questions for Passage A

1. What is this passage mostly about?
A. The reasons why octopuses only live for a few years. B. What different kinds of sharks like to eat for dinner. C. Why the ocean floor is covered in colorful coral reefs. D. How octopuses use their skin and bodies to hide from danger. 2. Which is the best title for this passage?
A. The Octopus: An Ocean Hiding Expert B. How to Find a Sea Shell C. The Hungry Sharks of the Sea D. Why the Ocean is Blue 3. Which detail from the story supports the main idea?
A. Sharks and whales are very large animals. B. Octopuses have eight long arms. C. An octopus can change its skin color to match sand or coral. D. The ocean floor can be very sandy. 4. Which sentence does NOT belong with the main idea of the passage?
A. Octopuses can make their skin look rough like a stone. B. Most octopuses live for only a few years. C. Some octopuses tuck their arms in to look like a sea shell. D. They have special skin that can change color.
5. Tell the main idea in your own words. Sentence Starter: I think the main idea of this passage is...




Passage B: The Missing Lunch

Sam reached into his backpack at lunchtime, but his hand hit the bottom of the bag. His lunch bag was gone! Sam felt his stomach growl. He remembered putting his sandwich and apple on the kitchen counter this morning. He must have left them there while he was rushing to catch the bus.
Sam didn't want to be hungry all afternoon, so he decided to solve his problem. First, he went to his teacher, Mr. Hill. Mr. Hill told Sam not to worry. He gave Sam a note to take to the school cafeteria. When Sam got to the lunchroom, the ladies behind the counter smiled at him. They used the note to give him a hot tray of mac and cheese and a cold carton of milk. Sam also saw his friend, Leo. Leo offered to share his extra bag of pretzels. By the time the bell rang to go back to class, Sam’s stomach was full and he was ready to learn. He felt much better because he asked for help.

Questions for Passage B

1. What is this passage mostly about?
A. A boy who solves the problem of forgetting his lunch. B. A boy who learns how to cook mac and cheese. C. Why it is important to eat fruit every day. D. The best way to catch the school bus on time. 2. Which is the best title for this passage?
A. Sam’s Lunchtime Solution B. Leo's Favorite Pretzels C. A Morning Rush for the Bus D. The Cafeteria Menu 3. Which detail supports the main idea?
A. Sam's backpack was blue and heavy. B. The kitchen counter was messy this morning. C. Sam went to his teacher to ask for help. D. The bus driver was waiting at the corner. 4. Which sentence does NOT belong with the main idea of the passage?
A. The lunchroom workers gave Sam a hot tray of food. B. Sam felt his stomach growl because he was hungry. C. Sam’s backpack had a broken zipper on the side. D. Sam remembered leaving his sandwich on the counter.
5. Tell the main idea in your own words. Sentence Starter: The main idea of this story is...