Main Idea and Text Structure Summative Review Guide
1. If you were writing a paper on kinds of energy you are learning about in science, which organization pattern would work best?
a. cause and effectb. chronological orderc. classificationd. compare and contrast
The Macintosh computer that I use at school is dramatically different from the family typewriter that I use at home. First of all, the computer with its word processing program is easy to use. On the screen in front of me, I can see an entire rough draft of a paragraph as I'm working on it. When I'm using the typewriter, in contrast, all that I have to look at is a rough draft that's on a sheet of paper next to the typewriter. I have to keep looking back and forth between that and the draft I'm typing out. Furthermore, the computer is quick. In a moment or two, I can easily delete or add sentences to the paragraph. I can move a sentence from one part of the paragraph to the next, and I can make corrections in spelling or wording with a few key strokes. But with the typewriter, there is no quick way to make a correction, delete a sentence, add a sentence, or move a sentence around. Every time I want to make a change, I have to use an eraser or correction fluid, or I have to type a new draft. Finally the computer offers helpful options. At any point, I can give it a command to check my spelling. I can ask it to count the number of words in my paper. I can change my margins and number the pages. The typewriter, on the other hand, does not offer a single one of these helpful options. With the computer, I feel I'm on the cutting edge of technology; with the typewriter, I feel I'm back in the Stone Age.
2. What text structure does the above paragraph use to organize the information? ______Compare/Contrast_____
3. What clue words will help you determine the organization pattern of the above paragraph?
a. first of all, finallyb. when, everyc. in contrast, on the other hand
(1)During the months from May to September, the Loggerhead turtle comes ashore to nest at night. (2) Initially, the turtle crawls out of the sea to the beach in search of the right place to build a nest for its eggs. (3) Once the location is identified, the turtle digs a hole with its flippers that measures 8" wide and 18" deep. (4) Next, the turtle lays around 120 eggs the size of ping pong balls. (5) The turtle then covers the nest by throwing sand over the nest with its flippers. (6) The turtle does this to protect the eggs from predators. (7) Next, the turtle lays around 120 eggs the size of ping pong balls. (8) Finally, the turtle makes its way back to the sea, and does not return to attend to the nest.
4. The organizational pattern of this paragraph can best be described as:
a. compare/contrastb. cause/effectc. sequence orderd. classification
______
5. Which transitional word would most likely be used to show a comparison?
a. meanwhileb. bothc. due tod. unlike
6. Which transitional word would most likely be used to show a cause and effect relationship?
a. furthermoreb. likewisec. as a resultd. however
7. Which transitional word would most likely be found in a sequence paragraph?
a. finallyb. likewisec. consequentlyd. in conclusion
No one knows exactly when the first library was founded. People began writing down information and ideas thousands of years ago. The earliest records were kept on clay tablets and scrolls of papyrus, a primitive form of paper. Almost 2,000 years ago, the rulers of ancient Egypt borrowed papyrus scrolls from distant lands and made copies of them. The establishment of the Alexandrian Library made Alexandria, Egypt, a great center of culture and learning.
The oldest library in the United States was started at Harvard University in 1638. A century later, Benjamin Franklin founded the first subscription library in the country. For a small fee, subscribers could borrow books in exchange for their solemn pledge to return the books to the library. The first tax-supported free libraries in the United States appeared in the early 1800s. Today, public libraries can be found in almost every community in the nation.
8. Which of these is the best main idea statement for this selection?
a.Ancient libraries contained scrolls.b.Benjamin Franklin started the first American library.
c.Libraries have a long history.d.The United States has many libraries.
9. What type of organization does this selection use?
a.chronologicalb.cause-and-effect
c.compare-and-contrastd.classification
10. The main idea is:a. statedb. implied
Sally favorite spot at the park was near an enormous maple tree. This magical tree was tucked away in a quiet corner of the park. There are several varieties of maple trees including sugar and Japanese maples. Her own private little piece of heaven. She loved looking at all the leaves in their shades of reds, yellow and orange. Leaves danced in the wind and the tree seemed to be on fire. Puffy white clouds in the background seemed to be inviting her to lay under the tree and rest. Sally had a relaxing and enjoyable time at the park.
11. Which of these sentences states the main idea of the paragraph?
a. Sally favorite spot at the park was near an enormous maple tree.
b. Sally had a relaxing and enjoyable time at the park.
c. This magical tree was tucked away in a quiet corner of the park.
12. Which sentence is irrelevant to the overall paragraph?
a. She loved looking at all the leaves in their shades of reds, yellow and orange.
b. Puffy white clouds in the background seemed to be inviting her to lay under the tree and rest.
c. This magical tree was tucked away in a quiet corner of the park.
d. There are several varieties of maple trees including sugar and Japanese maples.
When Mount St. Helen’s erupted in 1980, it altered the face of the land for miles and miles around. The volcano blew away the side of the mountain. Hot water from inside the volcano combined with ash and debris which in turn created mud slides that swept away everything in their path. Due to the immense heat, farther from the site of the blast, trees were killed but left standing like bare skeletons. Ash from the volcano darkened the skies of cities a hundred miles from the site. Consequently, twenty years later, Mount St. Helens is a mountainous desert. It could take many years before the mountain is once again covered in forest. Even now, small puffs of steam remind the people of this area that the volcano may not always sleep.
13. What method of organization is used in the above paragraph?
a. chronological order
b. cause and effect
c. compare/contrast
d. classification
14. The main idea is:
a. stated
b. implied