Unit Checkpoint
Review
You have learned a lot in this unit! Before you take the checkpoint, let us review the big ideas:
Key Vocabulary
- Main Idea: What a text is mostly about. The big idea the author wants you to understand.
- Supporting Details: Facts, examples, and information that tell more about the main idea.
- Topic Sentence: A sentence that tells the main idea of a paragraph. Usually the first sentence.
- Closing Sentence: A sentence that ends a paragraph. It wraps up the main idea.
How to Find the Main Idea
- Read the whole text first
- Look at the title for hints
- Find details that repeat or connect
- Ask: "What is this mostly about?"
- Say the main idea in your own words
How to Write a Good Paragraph
- Start with a topic sentence (main idea)
- Add 3-4 supporting details
- Make sure all sentences connect to the main idea
- End with a closing sentence
- Edit to remove sentences that do not belong
Unit Checkpoint Test
Answer all questions to show what you learned. Take your time and do your best!
Part 1: Reading for Main Idea (Questions 1-4)
Read this passage:
Tigers are amazing big cats. They have orange fur with black stripes. No two tigers have the same stripes! Tigers are very strong and can run fast. They are also good swimmers. Tigers live in Asia in forests and grasslands. Sadly, there are not many tigers left in the wild.
1. What is the main idea of this passage?
- A) Tigers have stripes
- B) Tigers are amazing big cats with special features
- C) Tigers live in Asia
- D) Tigers can swim
2. Which is a supporting detail from the passage?
- A) Tigers eat meat
- B) Tigers are good swimmers
- C) Tigers are the biggest cats
- D) Tigers sleep during the day
3. What does the passage say about tiger stripes?
- A) All tigers have the same stripes
- B) No two tigers have the same stripes
- C) Tigers do not have stripes
- D) Only some tigers have stripes
4. Write one more supporting detail from the passage:
_______________________________________________
Part 2: Identify Main Idea and Details (Questions 5-6)
Read this passage:
Schools are busy places. Students learn to read, write, and do math. Teachers help students learn new things every day. There are also art classes and music classes. At recess, kids play with their friends. Schools are where children grow and learn together.
5. What is the main idea?
- A) Schools have art and music
- B) Recess is fun
- C) Schools are busy places where children learn and grow
- D) Teachers work hard
6. List TWO supporting details from the passage:
Detail 1: _______________________________________________
Detail 2: _______________________________________________
Part 3: Find What Does Not Belong (Questions 7-8)
7. Which sentence does NOT belong in a paragraph about making cookies?
- A) First, you mix the dough
- B) My dog likes to play fetch
- C) Then, you put the cookies in the oven
- D) Finally, you let them cool before eating
8. Read this paragraph and cross out the sentence that does NOT belong:
Spring is a beautiful season. Flowers start to bloom in pretty colors. Birds come back from the south. I got new shoes last week. Baby animals are born in spring. The weather gets warmer and sunnier.
Which sentence does not belong? _______________________________________________
Part 4: Writing (Questions 9-10)
9. Write a topic sentence for this set of details:
Details: You can see fish and sharks. There are dolphins that do tricks. You can touch starfish in the touch tank. There is a big whale skeleton.
Topic sentence: _______________________________________________
10. Write a complete paragraph about your favorite game or toy.
Remember to include:
- A topic sentence (main idea)
- At least 3 supporting details
- A closing sentence
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Part 5: Short Answer (Questions 11-12)
11. In your own words, what is a main idea?
_______________________________________________
12. Why are supporting details important?
_______________________________________________
Answer Key
Check Your Answers
Part 1:
1. B - Tigers are amazing big cats with special features
2. B - Tigers are good swimmers
3. B - No two tigers have the same stripes
4. Answers may include: They have orange fur with black stripes / They are strong / They can run fast / They live in Asia / There are not many tigers left
Part 2:
5. C - Schools are busy places where children learn and grow
6. Any two from: Students learn to read, write, and do math / Teachers help students / There are art and music classes / Kids play at recess
Part 3:
7. B - My dog likes to play fetch
8. "I got new shoes last week" does not belong
Part 4:
9. Example topic sentences: "The aquarium is an exciting place to visit." or "There are many things to see at the aquarium."
10. Check that your paragraph has a topic sentence, 3+ details, and a closing sentence.
Part 5:
11. Example: The main idea is what a text is mostly about. It is the big idea the author wants you to know.
12. Example: Supporting details are important because they give more information about the main idea. They help explain the main idea and make it clearer.
Next Steps
Congratulations!
You have completed the Main Idea unit! Here is what you learned:
- How to find the main idea in a text
- How to identify supporting details
- How to write paragraphs with a clear main idea
- How to edit paragraphs to make them better
Keep Practicing
- When you read books, always think about the main idea
- Practice writing paragraphs with topic sentences
- Edit your writing to make it clear and focused
- Tell family members what you read using the main idea
What Comes Next?
Continue learning ELA skills! Main idea and supporting details will help you in all your reading and writing.