Chapter 2: Finding The Main Idea (Evidence, Tracks and Trails)
I. Permeate
J. Supremacy
K. Rages
Part 2: Breaking Down and Explaining Text
II. Finding The Main Idea (Evidence, Tracks and Trails
C. Strategies for Finding the Main Idea
Chapter 2
When you search for the main idea, you need to do so with an investigative mind. As you read, looking for important clues will help you to master this skill. To find the main idea, it is important that you apply the following strategies provided to aid your retention and comprehension of the readings in this chapter:
Write down significant details as you read.
Look for evidence that can help you to figure out all of the important ideas in the text.
As you read, ask yourself who or what is the main feature in the text.
Keep in mind the author’s main point and purpose.
Repeat the reading process to enhance your comprehension of content and to reinforce your memory with necessary information.
D. Your Reading Tasks
Bread Crumbs Open matching textbook reading
Read each question carefully. Then, provide clear and thoughtful responses.
1. What is the main idea in the passage?
2. How does the author use his childhood memories to justify the messy eating habits of little children?
3. Why do you think little children are such messy eaters?
4. What are some Bahamian foods known for making a crumby mess during eating?
Using Words in Context:
Provide the meaning for the following vocabulary words in the passage. Then, use the words in sentences to demonstrate your understanding of their definition.
A. Crumbs
B. Crumble
C. Messy
D. Undesirous
E. Pastime
F. Tidbits
The Dilly Fight Open matching textbook reading
Read each question carefully. Then, provide clear and thoughtful responses.
1. What is the main idea of the story?
2. What is the reason for your choice.
3. What are some exciting things that you did as a child?
4. Why do you think the dilly fight turned out to be such a messy but exciting experience?
Using Words in Context:
Provide the meaning for the following vocabulary words in the passage. Then, use the words in sentences to demonstrate your understanding of their definition.
A. Fight
B. Recall
C. Feast
D. Adventures
E. Bellies
F. Juggle
G. Showoff
H. Grasp
I. Wrath
J. Barrage
K. Fury
L. Hurling
Jeff the Clever Chef Open matching textbook reading
Read each question carefully. Then, provide clear and thoughtful responses.
1. What is the main idea of the story?
2. What is the reason for your choice?
3. Do you think the story of Jeff could be true?
4. How does Jeff differ from other boys his age?
Using Words in Context:
Provide the meaning for the following vocabulary words in the passage. Then, use the words in sentences to demonstrate your understanding of their definition.
A. Clever
B. Chef
C. Preparing
D. Original
E. Experimenting
F. Cuisine
G. Recipes
H. Knack
I. Cornerstone
J. Island
The Journey Open matching textbook reading
Read each question carefully. Then, provide clear and thoughtful responses.
1. What is the main idea of the story?
2. What is the reason for your choice?
3. Prior to taking a journey, why is it important to prepare?
4. How does travel on foot differ from travel in a car>
Using Words in Context:
Provide the meaning for the following vocabulary words in the passage. Then, use the words in sentences to demonstrate your understanding of their definition.
A. Journey
B. Arduous
C. Assemble
D. Prevent
E. Dehydration
F. Physically
G. Mentally
H. Medical
I. First Aid
J. Vital
Bowe the Bahamian Book Worm Open matching textbook reading
Read each question carefully. Then, provide clear and thoughtful responses.
1. What is the main idea of the passage?
2. What is the reason for your choice?
3. Why is it so important to read books?
4. How do you feel about being an avid lover of books?
Using Words in Context:
Provide the meaning for the following vocabulary words in the passage. Then, use the words in sentences to demonstrate your understanding of their definition.
A. Secrets
B. Priceless
C. Treasures
D. Recess
E. Patriot
F. Cultivated
G. Avid
H. Literacy
I. Routine
J. Dedication
K. Admired
L. Brilliance
Pulling Teeth Open matching textbook reading
Read each question carefully. Then, provide clear and thoughtful responses.
1. What is the main idea of the passage?
2. What reasons do you believe might have led to Johnny’s disobedience?
3. What form of punishment do you think might be appropriate for Johnny’s disobedience?
4. How do you feel about what Johnny did?
5. Do you think that Johnny’s mother is also partly at fault to blame for her son’s actions?
Using Words in Context:
Provide the meaning for the following vocabulary words in the passage. Then, use the words in sentences to demonstrate your understanding of their definition.
Naughty
Stubborn
C. Wisdom Teeth
D. Birth Certificate
E. Disaster
F. Arduous
G. Hose
H. Spanking
No! Not You This Time! Open matching textbook reading
Read each question carefully. Then, provide clear and thoughtful responses.
1. What is the main idea of the story?
2. After reading the story, what have you learned about little children?
3. Why do you think Sarah and her classmates behaved the way they did?
4. How do you think Sarah’s father felt before and after watching the surveillance video of his daughter and her classmates?
5. If you were principal Shakes, what would you have done when you learned about the classroom incident?
Using Words in Context:
Provide the meaning for the following vocabulary words in the passage. Then, use the words in sentences to demonstrate your understanding of their definition.
Innocent
Impression
Adorable
Picture Perfect Saint
Complaint
Opulent-Looking
Heartbroken
Gaze
Embarrassed
Wreaking Havoc
Jail Break Open matching textbook reading
Read each question carefully. Then, provide clear and thoughtful responses.
1. What is the main idea of the story? 2. After reading the story, what have you learned about the jail-break incident?
3. Do you think the prison escape could have been a conspiracy?
4. How do you think Bahamians felt while watching the news about the prisoners who escaped custody?
5. If you were the commissioner of police, what would you have done when you learned about the jail-break event?
Using Words in Context:
Provide the meaning for the following vocabulary words in the passage. Then, use the words in sentences to demonstrate your understanding of their definition.
Escape
B. Alias
Prison
Custody
Lightweights
Investigation
Criminal
Unconscious
Conspiracy
Incident
Disgruntled Danny Open matching textbook reading
Read each question carefully. Then, provide clear and thoughtful responses.
1. What is the main idea of the story? 2. After reading the story, what have you learned about people and their experiences?
3. Why do you think Danny was so unhappy?
4. How did you feel while reading the story?
5. If you had a friend like Danny, what would you do to try to help him out of his state of depression?
Using Words in Context:
Provide the meaning for the following vocabulary words in the passage. Then, use the words in sentences to demonstrate your understanding of their definition.
Disgruntled
Lonely
Well-paying
Positive
Profusely
Reeked
Teary-eyed
Apathetically
Inquired
Exclaimed
retorted
Frown
Comfort
The Lazy School Teacher Open matching textbook reading
Read each question carefully. Then, provide clear and thoughtful responses.
1. What is the main idea of the story?
2. After reading the story, what have you learned about lazy teachers?
3. Why do you think it is important for teachers to be good examples for their students?
4. If you were a parent, how would you feel if you discovered that your child’s teacher was lazy?
5. If you were the principal of a school, what would you do to encourage your teachers to display a more positive attitude towards work?
Using Words in Context:
Provide the meaning for the following vocabulary words in the passage. Then, use the words in sentences to demonstrate your understanding of their definition.
Idle
Enthusiasm
Lazy
Complains
Transitioned
Affiliations
Trustworthy
Oblivious
gossip
Mockery
Colleagues
Nonchalant
Organized
Butt
Bahamians Wear Your Seat Belts Open matching textbook reading
Read each question carefully. Then, provide clear and thoughtful responses.
1. What is the main idea of the story?
2. After reading the story, what have you learned about seat-belt safety?
3. Why do you think the author describes Bahamians as not being very proactive people?
4. How do you feel about our seat-belt laws not consistently being enforced?
5. If you were a police officer, what would you do to better enforce the seat-belt laws in The Bahamas?
Using Words in Context:
Provide the meaning for the following words in the passage. Then, use the words in sentences to demonstrate your understanding of their definition.
Seat Belts
Warned
Precautionary
Stubborn
Proactive
React
Unrestrained
Venture
Responsibility
Safety
Disregard
Connected by Fate Open matching textbook reading
Read each question carefully. Then, provide clear and thoughtful responses.
1. What is the main idea of the story?
2. After reading the story, what have you learned about love and fate?
3. Why do you think Gavin and Gabrielle shared such a strong bond?
4. How did you feel while reading the love story of Gavin and Gabrielle?
5. If you were in love with your best friend, would you have the courage to do what Gavin did on prom night?
Using Words in Context:
Provide the meaning for the following vocabulary words in the passage. Then, use the words in sentences to demonstrate your understanding of their definition.
Fate
Unspoken
Friends
D. Admired
E. Charmer
F. Good Looking
G. Muscular
H. Presence
I. Graduate
J. Rejected
K. Advances
L. Restrain
M. Emotions
N. Prom
O. Intense
P. Intangible
Q. Tenderness
R. Courage
S. Fervor
T. Kindled
Panhandling Pete Open matching textbook reading
Read each question carefully. Then, provide clear and thoughtful responses.
1. What is the main idea of the story?
2. After reading the story, what have you learned about panhandling?
3. Why do you think Panhandling Pete decided to take care of himself rather than depend on others?
4. How did you feel while reading the story?
5. If you were Panhandling Pete, how would you have dealt with being abandoned by your parents at such a tender age?
Using Words in Context:
Provide the meaning for the following vocabulary words in the passage. Then, use the words in sentences to demonstrate your understanding of their definition.
A. Panhandling
B. Abandoned
C. Wise
D. Save
E. Homeless
F. Educate
G. Poverty
H. Extraordinary
I. Irresistible
J. Clever
Softhearted Sue Open matching textbook reading
Read each question carefully. Then, provide clear and thoughtful responses.
1. What is the main idea of the story?
2. After reading the story, what have you learned about being a good Samaritan?
3. Why do you think Sue has such a kind and giving spirit?
4. What lessons have you learned from reading the story?
5. If you were a teacher, how would you encourage your students to give more and to receive less like Softhearted Sue?
Using Words in Context:
Provide the meaning for the following vocabulary words in the passage. Then, use the words in sentences to demonstrate your understanding of their definition.
A. Softhearted
B. Nature
C. Amazement
D. Less Fortunate
E. Foster-care Homes
F. Distributing
G. Elderly
H. Genuineness
Using Context Clues (Native Fruits, Plants and Animals)
Strategies for Using Context Clues