II-1 Identify Main Idea

1. II-1 Identify Main Idea Standard II: The student will interpret passages taken from textual, functional, and recreational reading material.

2. II-1 Identify Main Idea • Main Idea – central message the writer is trying to get across to the reader. • Stated Main Idea – stated directly in the title, the beginning or the end of a passage, or in one of the sentences of the paragraph. • Implied Main Idea – implied or suggested and not directly stated in the paragraph.

3. A Choosy Yorkie Breeder A friend of mine breeds and raises Yorkies. Although she raises them to sell, she is very particular about the kind of people who buy the dogs. Because her dogs are so small and weigh only between three and five pounds when they are fully mature, she does a background check on the prospective owners. She won’t allow people with young children to purchase the dogs because they are too fragile to be handled by children younger than ten years old.

4. II-1 Identify Main Idea What is the main idea of this paragraph? • Look at the sentence that sums up what the paragraph is about. • The second sentence states what the writer is telling in the paragraph. • Although she raises them to sell, she is very particular about the kind of people who buy the dogs. • This sentence tells that she sells them but only to certain people. (Stated main idea)

5. The Comeback of Rabies Rabies, a deadly disease to both animals and humans, is on the increase in many areas of Florida. In fact, the number of reported human exposures to rabies has not been as high since the 1940s. This particular strain of rabies was brought to Florida by Texas coyotes. Truckloads of these coyotes are imported into the state by hunting clubs and are used in fox hunts. The disease has always been found among wild animals, but the real problem is that fewer than half of all dogs, cats, and farm animals have been vaccinated against it. In 1994, twenty cats, ten dogs, and three horses contracted rabies: an increase of 500% in the last five years. Domestic animals must be vaccinated, for they are the ones most likely to have contact with humans.

6. II-1 Identify Main Idea Based on this passage, what is the main idea of the paragraph? • Rabies is a very contagious and dangerous disease. • Brought to Florida by coyotes, rabies is quickly spreading among domestic animals. • Few domestic animals have been vaccinated against rabies. • Domestic animals have more contact with humans than do wild animals. • Title, first sentence, and last sentence contain main points • Key words – Florida, rabies, quickly spreading, and domestic animals Answer - B

7. Yorkie Characteristics Originating in Yorkshire, England, Yorkshire terriers are special little dogs. Known as “Yorkies,” then were bred to catch mice in the coal mines. They are extremely energetic and love to bark. Sometimes they bark at every little sound they hear. Yorkies are extremely loyal to their owners. Early in their lives, they will often bond with their owners and fiercely defend them. Yorkies love other people, too. As they get older, they usually love to be petted by everyone.

8. What is the main idea of the paragraph? • No one sentence that states the main idea. (Implied main idea) • Yorkshire terriers are bred to be energetic and protective, and they make loving and loyal companions.

9. Putting Energy Back Into Your Life Are you getting enough water? Think of your houseplants. When they are short on water, they droop. The same thing happens to you! Our bodies are made up of millions of cells; the principal part of these cells is water. If the cells are low on water, you will function at less than full efficiency. Strive for six to eight glasses of water each day.

10. What is the main idea of this paragraph? • Houseplants need water to live. • The body’s cell’s are composed of a high percentage of water. • Our bodies are made up of millions of cells. • Drink water because your body needs it to be efficient. Answer: D

11. Complete: AHSGE: Reading Comprehension pages 37 & 38 ABC pages 22-25