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Main Idea Mastery: 52 Grade 5 Nonfiction Task Cards & Scoot Game

Smart Worksheet
Grade 5
English

Main Idea Mastery: 52 Grade 5 Nonfiction Task Cards & Scoot Game

Teacher Directions: Using the Main Idea Task Cards

These 52 task cards are designed to build proficiency in identifying main ideas, choosing appropriate titles, and spotting irrelevant details in nonfiction texts.

Scoot Game Instructions

  1. Set Up: Place one task card on each student's desk (or at various stations around the room).
  1. Recording: Give each student a 52-Blank Recording Sheet. Students should start at the card currently at their desk and find the corresponding number on their sheet.
  1. Rotation: Provide a set amount of time (e.g., 2–3 minutes) for students to read the paragraph and answer the question.
  1. Signal: When the timer goes off, say "Scoot!" Students rotate to the next desk in a predetermined path (e.g., snake pattern through rows).
  1. Review: After all rotations are complete, use the Answer Key to review the correct responses.

Other Uses

  • Learning Centers: Place a set of cards in a center with recording sheets for independent or partner work.
  • Early Finishers: Allow students who finish assignments early to grab a few cards and record their answers.
  • Small Group Instruction: Use specific cards to target specific skills (e.g., cards 37–46 for students struggling with supporting details).

Digital Note

These cards are formatted for easy conversion to a digital slideshow. For a digital version, present one question per slide to allow students to focus on a single text at a time.


Student Recording Sheet: Main Idea Task Cards

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Task Cards 1–4 (Set A: Choose the Main Idea)

Card #1: Howler Monkeys
Howler monkeys are famous for their loud voices. They have a special throat bone that acts like a microphone, making their calls travel for miles. These monkeys use their loud roars to tell other groups to stay away from their territory. This keeps different monkey families safe and prevents unnecessary fights over food or space in the rainforest.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
  1. What is the main idea of this paragraph? A. Howler monkeys use their loud voices to protect their territory. B. The special throat bone of a monkey is like a microphone. C. Howler monkeys live in the rainforest with their families. D. Monkeys often fight over food and space in the jungle.

Card #3: Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman was a brave leader who escaped slavery and then returned to help others. Known as the "Moses of her people," she led hundreds of enslaved individuals to freedom using the Underground Railroad. Despite the great danger and reward for her capture, she never lost a single "passenger" on her many dangerous journeys to the North.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
  1. What is the main idea of this paragraph? A. Harriet Tubman escaped slavery by herself first. B. Many people were rewarded for trying to catch Harriet Tubman. C. Harriet Tubman was a fearless leader on the Underground Railroad. D. The Underground Railroad was a secret path to the North.
Card #2: Mercury
Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, which causes it to have extreme temperatures. During the day, the surface can reach a blistering 800 degrees Fahrenheit. However, because Mercury has almost no atmosphere to trap heat, the temperature drops to nearly negative 290 degrees at night. This makes it a world of harsh and deadly contrasts.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
  1. What is the main idea of this paragraph? A. The Sun is the hottest object in our entire solar system. B. Mercury is very cold during the night because it lacks air. C. Mercury experiences extreme temperature changes because of its position. D. Mercury is the smallest planet located near the Sun.

Card #4: The Pony Express
The Pony Express was a fast mail service that operated in the 1860s. Young riders on fast horses carried letters across the American West in just ten days. To keep the mail moving quickly, riders would switch to fresh horses at stations along the trail every 10 to 15 miles. It was a dangerous but vital way to communicate.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
  1. What is the main idea of this paragraph? A. Letters were delivered across the West in exactly ten days. B. Riders had to switch horses every 10 miles to rest. C. The Pony Express used young riders to carry heavy mail bags. D. The Pony Express was an efficient and fast mail system for its time.


Task Cards 5–8 (Set A: Choose the Main Idea)

Card #5: Volcanoes
Volcanoes are powerful openings in Earth's crust that allow molten rock and gas to escape. When a volcano erupts, it can create new land by cooling lava, but it can also be very destructive to nearby towns. Scientists study volcanoes closely to predict eruptions and keep people safe from the dangerous flows of hot ash and lava.
  1. What is the main idea of this paragraph? A. Volcanoes are powerful forces that both build and destroy land. B. Scientists use tools to watch volcanoes and save lives. C. Lava cools down to create new mountains and islands. D. Ash and gas from volcanoes are the most dangerous parts.

Card #7: Mars
Mars is often called the "Red Planet" because its surface is covered in iron oxide, which is the same stuff that makes rust. This dusty, reddish soil covers the entire planet, from its high mountains to its deep canyons. Even the Martian sky can look pink or tan because of the reddish dust blowing in the thin atmosphere.
  1. What is the main idea of this paragraph? A. Mars gets its famous red color from rusty dust on its surface. B. Iron oxide is a chemical that creates rust on Earth. C. Mars has higher mountains than any other planet. D. The Martian sky looks pink because of the thin air.
Card #6: Giant Pandas
Giant pandas spend most of their lives eating bamboo to get enough energy. A panda can eat between 25 and 84 pounds of bamboo in a single day! Because bamboo doesn't have many nutrients, pandas must eat constantly and move slowly to save energy. This specialized diet defines almost every part of a panda's daily routine.
  1. What is the main idea of this paragraph? A. Pandas can eat up to 84 pounds of food every day. B. Giant pandas are slow animals that like to sleep in trees. C. Pandas must eat large amounts of bamboo to survive. D. Bamboo is a plant that grows quickly in the mountains.

Card #8: Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln is remembered for leading the United States through the Civil War. He worked tirelessly to keep the country together during its greatest crisis. Lincoln is also famous for signing the Emancipation Proclamation, which helped end slavery. His leadership and dedication to freedom made him one of the most important presidents in American history.
  1. What is the main idea of this paragraph? A. Lincoln signed a paper that helped end slavery in America. B. Abraham Lincoln was a great leader during the Civil War. C. The Civil War was the most difficult time for the United States. D. Lincoln is the most famous president to ever live.


Task Cards 9–12 (Set A: Choose the Main Idea)

Card #9: The Oregon Trail
In the 1840s, thousands of pioneers traveled west on the Oregon Trail in search of a better life. The journey was over 2,000 miles long and took many months to complete. Families packed everything they owned into covered wagons and faced many challenges, including harsh weather, illness, and difficult mountain crossings to reach their new homes.
  1. What is the main idea of this paragraph? A. Pioneers packed all their belongings into small wagons. B. Mountains were the hardest part of the trail to cross. C. The journey west took exactly six months to finish. D. The Oregon Trail was a long and difficult journey for pioneers.

Card #11: Honeybees
Honeybees are essential for the growth of many crops that humans eat. As they move from flower to flower to collect nectar, they spread pollen, which allows plants to produce fruits and vegetables. Without the hard work of honeybees, many of our favorite foods, like apples and almonds, would not be able to grow at all.
  1. What is the main idea of this paragraph? A. Honeybees play a vital role in pollinating the food we eat. B. Bees make honey from the nectar they find in flowers. C. Apples and almonds are the most important crops for humans. D. Pollen is a sticky dust that bees carry on their legs.
Card #10: Tsunamis
Tsunamis are giant ocean waves typically caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. Unlike normal waves, tsunamis involve a massive amount of water moving at high speeds across the sea. When these waves reach the shore, they can grow very tall and cause massive flooding and destruction to coastal communities and buildings.
  1. What is the main idea of this paragraph? A. Coastal buildings must be built very strong to survive. B. Tsunamis are powerful and destructive ocean waves. C. Underwater earthquakes cause the ground to shake. D. Normal ocean waves are much smaller than tsunamis.

Card #12: Thomas Edison
Thomas Edison was a brilliant inventor who changed the world with his many creations. His most famous invention was the long-lasting electric light bulb, which allowed people to see at night without candles. He also invented the phonograph for recording sound and the motion picture camera, proving that hard work and creativity could lead to amazing progress.
  1. What is the main idea of this paragraph? A. Candles were the only way to see at night before electricity. B. Thomas Edison created many inventions that changed daily life. C. The light bulb was Edison's only successful invention. D. Edison spent many years working on the first camera.


Task Cards 13–16 (Set A: Choose the Main Idea)

Card #13: Jupiter
Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system and is known for its incredible size. It is so big that all the other planets could fit inside it! Jupiter is a gas giant, meaning it doesn't have a solid surface like Earth. It also has a famous Great Red Spot, which is a massive storm that has lasted for centuries.
  1. What is the main idea of this paragraph? A. Jupiter is a massive gas giant with unique features. B. The Great Red Spot is a storm that never stops. C. Earth is much smaller than the planet Jupiter. D. Gas giants do not have any solid ground to walk on.

Card #15: The Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco was considered a wonder of engineering when it was built in 1937. At the time, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Engineers had to overcome strong winds, thick fog, and powerful ocean currents to complete the project, creating a beautiful and functional landmark that is still used today.
  1. What is the main idea of this paragraph? A. Ocean currents make building bridges very difficult. B. Suspension bridges are the longest type of bridge. C. The Golden Gate Bridge was an impressive engineering feat. D. San Francisco is known for its very thick fog and winds.
Card #14: Polar Bears
Polar bears are uniquely adapted to live in the freezing Arctic environment. They have a thick layer of fat, called blubber, and two layers of fur to keep them warm. Their white fur also helps them blend into the snow, making it easier for them to hunt for seals. These features are essential for surviving in one of the coldest places on Earth.
  1. What is the main idea of this paragraph? A. White fur is a good way for bears to hide in the snow. B. Polar bears have physical traits that help them live in the cold. C. Blubber is a type of fat that keeps animals warm. D. Polar bears like to hunt seals on the Arctic ice.

Card #16: Rosa Parks
Rosa Parks is known as the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement" for her act of courage on a bus in Alabama. In 1955, she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger, which sparked a city-wide bus boycott. Her peaceful protest inspired many others to stand up for justice and helped lead to laws that made segregation illegal.
  1. What is the main idea of this paragraph? A. Rosa Parks lived in Alabama during the 1950s. B. Rosa Parks' brave protest helped start the Civil Rights Movement. C. Laws in the past made people sit in different parts of the bus. D. Boycotts are a way to protest without using violence.


Task Cards 17–20 (Set A: Choose the Main Idea)

Card #17: Astronaut Suits
Astronauts must wear specialized suits to survive the harsh conditions of outer space. These suits provide oxygen to breathe and protect the wearer from extreme heat and cold. They also serve as a shield against radiation and tiny pieces of space dust. Without these complex suits, humans would not be able to explore the moon or work outside the space station.
  1. What is the main idea of this paragraph? A. Exploring the moon is very dangerous for humans. B. Astronauts need oxygen to breathe while they are working. C. Space suits are necessary to protect astronauts in space. D. Space contains dangerous radiation and tiny dust particles.

Card #19: George Washington Carver
George Washington Carver was a scientist who found hundreds of uses for peanuts and sweet potatoes. He wanted to help Southern farmers improve their soil and grow different crops instead of just cotton. By sharing his discoveries, he helped many farmers become more successful and taught them how to care for the land more effectively.
  1. What is the main idea of this paragraph? A. Soil needs to be cared for so that crops can grow well. B. George Washington Carver helped farmers through his scientific work. C. Peanuts and sweet potatoes can be used in many ways. D. Cotton was the only crop grown in the South for a long time.
Card #18: The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the most famous structures in history. It was built over many centuries to protect the northern borders of China from invasions. Thousands of workers used stone, brick, and wood to create the wall, which stretches for thousands of miles across rugged mountains and deserts. It remains a symbol of China's strength.
  1. What is the main idea of this paragraph? A. The Great Wall was built to keep invaders out of China. B. Thousands of workers spent centuries building the wall. C. The Great Wall stretches across mountains and deserts. D. Many different materials were used to build the Great Wall.

Card #20: Sea Turtles
Sea turtles are remarkable travelers that spend almost their entire lives in the ocean. They can migrate thousands of miles between their feeding grounds and the beaches where they were born. Using the Earth's magnetic field to navigate, these turtles return to the same beach to lay their eggs, ensuring the next generation can survive.
  1. What is the main idea of this paragraph? A. Baby turtles must find the ocean as soon as they hatch. B. The Earth's magnetic field helps animals find their way. C. Sea turtles lay their eggs on sandy beaches. D. Sea turtles are long-distance travelers with great navigation skills.


Task Cards 21–24 (Set B: Choose the Best Title)

Card #21: The Sun
The Sun is the center of our solar system and the source of all energy on Earth. Without the Sun's light and heat, our planet would be a frozen, dark ball where nothing could live. Plants use sunlight to make food, and that energy is passed on to animals and humans, making the Sun vital for all life.
  1. What is the best title for this paragraph? A. A Ball of Light B. The Frozen Earth C. How Plants Grow D. The Importance of the Sun

Card #23: Wright Brothers
Orville and Wilbur Wright were brothers who never gave up on their dream of flying. After years of experimenting with gliders and engines, they finally made the first successful powered flight in 1903. Their short flight in North Carolina changed history forever, leading to the development of the modern airplanes we use today.
  1. What is the best title for this paragraph? A. Two Brave Brothers B. How Gliders Work C. The Invention of the Airplane D. Life in North Carolina
Card #22: Elephants
Elephants are highly intelligent animals that live in complex social groups called herds. Within these herds, elephants show deep emotions, such as joy when a baby is born or grief when a member dies. They use a variety of sounds and physical touches to communicate and help each other find water or stay safe from predators.
  1. What is the best title for this paragraph? A. How Elephants Find Water B. The Social Lives of Elephants C. Big Animals of the Savanna D. Baby Elephants in the Herd

Card #24: The Titanic
The Titanic was a massive passenger ship that was thought to be "unsinkable." However, during its first voyage in 1912, it struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic. The ship sustained heavy damage and sank within hours. This tragic event led to major changes in maritime safety laws, including the requirement for enough lifeboats for everyone on board.
  1. What is the best title for this paragraph? A. Icebergs of the North Atlantic B. How to Build a Ship C. Safety Laws at Sea D. The Tragedy of the Titanic


Task Cards 25–28 (Set B: Choose the Best Title)

Card #25: Saturn
Saturn is famous for the beautiful rings that circle the planet. These rings are not solid; they are made of billions of pieces of ice, dust, and rock. Some pieces are as small as a grain of sand, while others are as big as a house. These particles orbit Saturn together, creating the bright bands we see through telescopes.
  1. What is the best title for this paragraph? A. Ice and Dust in Space B. Saturn's Magnificent Rings C. How to Use a Telescope D. The Smallest Planet

Card #27: Marie Curie
Marie Curie was a pioneering scientist who discovered the elements polonium and radium. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields: physics and chemistry. Her research on radioactivity paved the way for new medical treatments and scientific discoveries.
  1. What is the best title for this paragraph? A. The Life of Marie Curie B. Winning the Nobel Prize C. Women in History D. The Science of Radium
Card #26: Great White Sharks
Great white sharks are top predators in the ocean, meaning they are at the top of the food chain. They have several rows of razor-sharp teeth and a powerful sense of smell to help them find food from miles away. While many people are afraid of them, these sharks play a crucial role in keeping the ocean's ecosystem healthy and balanced.
  1. What is the best title for this paragraph? A. Ocean Food Chains B. Scary Monsters of the Deep C. The Role of the Great White Shark D. Sharp Teeth and Big Appetites

Card #28: The Steam Engine
The invention of the steam engine in the 1700s revolutionized transportation and industry. Before the steam engine, people relied on horses or wind to move things. Steam power allowed for the creation of faster trains and large steamboats, making it possible to transport goods and people over long distances more quickly and cheaply than ever before.
  1. What is the best title for this paragraph? A. The Power of Steam B. Traveling by Horse C. How to Build a Boat D. The History of Trains


Task Cards 29–32 (Set B: Choose the Best Title)

Card #29: Pluto
For many years, Pluto was considered the ninth planet in our solar system. However, in 2006, scientists changed its classification to a "dwarf planet." This change happened because Pluto is much smaller than the other planets and shares its orbit with many other icy objects. Despite its new name, scientists still study Pluto to learn about the outer edges of space.
  1. What is the best title for this paragraph? A. Pluto: The Dwarf Planet B. Icy Objects in Space C. The Ninth Planet D. The Mystery of Pluto

Card #31: Neil Armstrong
In 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first human to ever set foot on the moon. As part of the Apollo 11 mission, he took a giant leap for mankind, proving that space travel was possible. His brave journey inspired millions of people and opened the door for future exploration of other planets and the stars beyond our world.
  1. What is the best title for this paragraph? A. A Trip to the Moon B. The Apollo 11 Mission C. The Future of Space Travel D. Neil Armstrong's Giant Leap
Card #30: Komodo Dragons
Komodo dragons are the largest lizards on Earth, growing up to ten feet long. They live on a few small islands in Indonesia and are known for being fierce hunters. These giant reptiles have a powerful bite and use their long, flicking tongues to sense their prey. They are truly the kings of the lizard world.
  1. What is the best title for this paragraph? A. How Lizards Hunt B. Lizards of Indonesia C. A Dangerous Bite D. The Giant Komodo Dragon

Card #32: The Printing Press
Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in the 1440s, which changed the way information was shared. Before this invention, books were written by hand, which was very slow and expensive. The printing press allowed books to be made quickly and in large numbers, making it easier for people everywhere to learn how to read and share new ideas.
  1. What is the best title for this paragraph? A. Learning to Read B. How to Write a Book C. The Impact of the Printing Press D. The Life of Gutenberg


Task Cards 33–36 (Set B: Choose the Best Title)

Card #33: Earthquakes
Earthquakes occur when the giant plates that make up Earth's crust suddenly shift or break. This movement releases energy that travels through the ground as waves, causing the earth to shake. While most earthquakes are too small to feel, large ones can cause buildings to collapse and roads to crack, making them a serious natural hazard.
  1. What is the best title for this paragraph? A. How Planets Move B. Building Stronger Roads C. The Shaking Earth D. Natural Hazards

Card #35: Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play Major League Baseball in the modern era. When he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, he faced many challenges and unfair treatment. However, his incredible talent and courage helped break the "color barrier" in sports, paving the way for many other athletes to follow in his footsteps and achieve their dreams.
  1. What is the best title for this paragraph? A. Playing Professional Baseball B. The Brooklyn Dodgers C. Sports in the 1940s D. Jackie Robinson's Brave Career
Card #34: Blue Whales
Blue whales are the largest animals to ever live on Earth. They are even bigger than the largest dinosaurs! These gentle giants can grow over 90 feet long and weigh as much as 30 elephants. Even though they are so big, they eat tiny shrimp-like creatures called krill, filtering thousands of gallons of water through their baleen plates to find food.
  1. What is the best title for this paragraph? A. Gentle Giants of the Sea B. Bigger than Dinosaurs C. The Massive Blue Whale D. Eating Krill in the Ocean

Card #36: The Transcontinental Railroad
The Transcontinental Railroad was completed in 1869, connecting the East and West coasts of the United States by rail. This massive project required thousands of workers to lay tracks over mountains and across flat plains. Once finished, a journey that used to take months by wagon could be completed in just a few days, bringing the country closer together.
  1. What is the best title for this paragraph? A. The End of the Covered Wagon B. Building Tracks in the Mountains C. Connecting the Country by Rail D. Traveling Across the Plains


Task Cards 37–40 (Set C: Which Detail does NOT Support the Main Idea?)

Card #37: Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are amazing birds that can hover in place and even fly backward. Their wings beat so fast that they make a humming sound. Hummingbirds drink sweet nectar from colorful flowers to get energy. Some people like to hang bird feeders in their backyards to watch the birds. This energy helps them stay active all day long.
  1. Which detail does NOT support the main idea? A. Some people hang bird feeders in their backyards. B. Their wings beat fast and make a humming sound. C. They are birds that can hover and fly backward. D. They drink sweet nectar from flowers for energy.

Card #39: Helen Keller
Helen Keller was a remarkable woman who overcame great challenges. After losing her sight and hearing as a toddler, she learned to communicate with the help of her teacher, Annie Sullivan. Helen eventually learned to read, write, and even speak. Annie Sullivan was born in Massachusetts. Helen spent her life advocating for people with disabilities.
  1. Which detail does NOT support the main idea? A. Helen spent her life helping people with disabilities. B. Annie Sullivan was born in Massachusetts. C. Helen Keller overcame being blind and deaf. D. Helen learned to communicate with Annie Sullivan's help.
Card #38: The Moon
The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite and has no air or water. It is covered in craters that were made by space rocks hitting its surface. The Moon reflects light from the Sun, making it glow at night. Scientists believe the Moon is about 4.5 billion years old. Astronauts first walked on the Moon in 1969.
  1. Which detail does NOT support the main idea? A. Astronauts first walked on the Moon in 1969. B. The Moon reflects sunlight to glow at night. C. The Moon has no air or water on its surface. D. The Moon is covered in craters from space rocks.

Card #40: The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States to symbolize friendship and freedom. It stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. The statue is made of copper, which turned green over time. France is also famous for the Eiffel Tower. Millions of immigrants saw the statue as they arrived in America.
  1. Which detail does NOT support the main idea? A. The statue symbolizes friendship and freedom. B. It is made of copper and stands in New York Harbor. C. The statue was a gift from the people of France. D. France is also famous for the Eiffel Tower.


Task Cards 41–44 (Set C: Which Detail does NOT Support the Main Idea?)

Card #41: Cheetahs
Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, capable of reaching speeds of 70 miles per hour. Their bodies are built for speed with long legs and a flexible spine. They use their speed to hunt for prey like gazelles. Cheetahs live mostly in Africa and parts of Iran. Some cheetahs can live up to 12 years in the wild.
  1. Which detail does NOT support the main idea? A. Their bodies have long legs and a flexible spine. B. They use their speed to catch prey like gazelles. C. Cheetahs can run up to 70 miles per hour. D. Some cheetahs live up to 12 years in the wild.

Card #43: Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart was a famous pilot who set many records in aviation history. She was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Amelia loved to wear leather flight jackets. She inspired many women to pursue careers in flying and science. Her disappearance during a flight around the world remains a mystery today.
  1. Which detail does NOT support the main idea? A. Amelia loved to wear leather flight jackets. B. She was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. C. She inspired women to pursue careers in aviation. D. Amelia set many records in aviation history.
Card #42: Neptune
Neptune is a very cold and windy planet located at the far edge of our solar system. It is known as an "ice giant" because it is made of water, ammonia, and methane ice. Winds on Neptune can reach speeds faster than a jet plane. Neptune was named after the Roman god of the sea. It takes 165 Earth years for Neptune to orbit the Sun.
  1. Which detail does NOT support the main idea? A. Neptune was named after the Roman god of the sea. B. Winds on Neptune are faster than a jet plane. C. Neptune is a cold and windy planet in our solar system. D. Neptune is an ice giant made of different types of ice.

Card #44: The Great Depression
The Great Depression was a time of great economic hardship in the 1930s. Many people lost their jobs and had no money to buy food or pay for their homes. Banks closed down, and families had to live in small shacks. Board games like Monopoly became popular during this time. The government eventually created programs to help people find work.
  1. Which detail does NOT support the main idea? A. Banks closed and people had no money for food. B. Many people lost their jobs and their homes. C. The government created programs to help workers. D. Board games like Monopoly became popular.


Task Cards 45–48 (Mix of Irrelevant Detail and Writing the Main Idea)

Card #45: Kangaroos
Kangaroos are marsupials that are famous for jumping and carrying their babies in pouches. They use their strong back legs to hop over long distances quickly. A baby kangaroo is called a joey. Kangaroos live in Australia and like to eat grass and other plants. They use their long tails for balance while they hop.
  1. Which detail does NOT support the main idea? A. They use their tails to balance while jumping. B. A baby kangaroo is called a joey. C. They use strong legs to hop long distances. D. They carry their babies in pouches.

Card #47: Black Holes
Black holes are regions in space where gravity is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape. They are formed when massive stars collapse at the end of their lives. Because no light can get out, black holes are invisible to the naked eye. Scientists use special telescopes to see how black holes affect the stars and gas around them.
Write the main idea of this paragraph in one sentence:
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
Card #46: Alexander Graham Bell
Alexander Graham Bell is best known for inventing the first practical telephone in 1876. He wanted to find a way for people to talk to each other over long distances using wires. Bell was also interested in helping people who were deaf learn how to communicate. His invention changed the way humans connect with each other across the globe.
  1. Which detail does NOT support the main idea? A. He invented the first practical telephone in 1876. B. Bell was interested in helping the deaf communicate. C. He wanted people to talk over long distances using wires. D. His invention changed how people connect globally.

Card #48: Sacagawea
Sacagawea was a Shoshone woman who helped Lewis and Clark on their journey to explore the American West. She served as a guide and translator, helping the explorers talk to different Native American tribes they met along the way. Her presence also helped keep the group safe, as a woman with a baby signaled to other tribes that the group was peaceful.
Write the main idea of this paragraph in one sentence:
_________________________________________
_________________________________________


Task Cards 49–52 (Set D: Write the Main Idea)

Card #49: The Milky Way
The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy that contains our solar system and billions of other stars. On a very dark night, it looks like a faint band of light stretching across the sky. All the stars we can see with our eyes are part of this massive system. It is just one of many billions of galaxies in the entire universe.
Write the main idea of this paragraph in one sentence:
_________________________________________
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Card #51: Sloths
Sloths are famous for being the slowest mammals in the world. They live in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America and spend most of their time hanging upside down from trees. Because sloths have a very slow metabolism, they move very little and sleep for up to 15 hours a day to save their energy for survival.
Write the main idea of this paragraph in one sentence:
_________________________________________
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Card #50: The Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was a famous protest that took place in 1773. To show they were angry about unfair taxes, a group of American colonists dressed up and dumped hundreds of chests of tea into the Boston Harbor. This event was a major step that led to the American Revolutionary War and the fight for independence from Great Britain.
Write the main idea of this paragraph in one sentence:
_________________________________________
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Card #52: Sally Ride
Sally Ride made history in 1983 by becoming the first American woman to travel into space. She was a physicist who flew on the Space Shuttle Challenger and worked on many important scientific experiments. Sally Ride also wrote books for children to encourage them to study science and reach for the stars, just as she had done during her career.
Write the main idea of this paragraph in one sentence:
_________________________________________
_________________________________________