Drill 2- Main Idea

1. Maria is watching too much television. A toddler shouldn’t be spending hours staring blankly at a screen. Worse yet, some of her wild behavior has been inspired by those awful cartoons she watches. We need to spend more time reading books with her and pull the plug on the TV! What is the main idea of this paragraph?

Watching a lot of television isn’t good for Maria.

Some cartoons are bad for Maria.

Parents should spend more time with their children

The main idea of this paragraph is that watching a lot of television is not good for Maria. This is evident from the statement that Maria is watching too much television and that it is not appropriate for a toddler to spend hours staring at a screen. The paragraph also suggests that some of Maria's wild behavior is influenced by the cartoons she watches, further emphasizing the negative impact of excessive television viewing. The solution proposed is for the parents to spend more time reading books with Maria and to limit her TV time.

Explanation

The main idea of this paragraph is that watching a lot of television is not good for Maria. This is evident from the statement that Maria is watching too much television and that it is not appropriate for a toddler to spend hours staring at a screen. The paragraph also suggests that some of Maria's wild behavior is influenced by the cartoons she watches, further emphasizing the negative impact of excessive television viewing. The solution proposed is for the parents to spend more time reading books with Maria and to limit her TV time.

2. “You must do the things you think you cannot do.”
This means that _______.

We can't do all that much

We should fool ourselves

We're capable of doing more than we realize

We are confused

This quote suggests that individuals have the potential to accomplish things that they may initially believe they are incapable of. It encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones and push themselves to achieve things that they may have doubted they could do. It emphasizes the importance of self-belief and the realization that one's capabilities may exceed their own expectations.

Explanation

This quote suggests that individuals have the potential to accomplish things that they may initially believe they are incapable of. It encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones and push themselves to achieve things that they may have doubted they could do. It emphasizes the importance of self-belief and the realization that one's capabilities may exceed their own expectations.

3. . Juan loves to play games. His favorite game is chess because it requires a great deal of thought. Juan also likes to play less demanding board games that are based mostly on luck. He prefers Monopoly because it requires luck and skill. If he’s alone, Juan likes to play action video games as long as they aren’t too violent.

What is the main idea of this paragraph?

Juan enjoys Monopoly.

Juan enjoys playing games.

Juan's favorite game

The main idea of this paragraph is that Juan enjoys playing games. This is evident from the statement that Juan loves to play games, and the paragraph goes on to describe his favorite games and preferences.

Explanation

The main idea of this paragraph is that Juan enjoys playing games. This is evident from the statement that Juan loves to play games, and the paragraph goes on to describe his favorite games and preferences.

4. “A person who won't read has no advantage over one who can't read.”
This means that _______.

Reading isn't necessary

Reading ability is nothing if it isn't used

You should learn how to read

This quote implies that having the ability to read is pointless if one chooses not to utilize it. It suggests that the advantage of being able to read lies in actually engaging in reading, rather than simply possessing the skill. Therefore, the correct answer is "reading ability is nothing if it isn't used."

Explanation

This quote implies that having the ability to read is pointless if one chooses not to utilize it. It suggests that the advantage of being able to read lies in actually engaging in reading, rather than simply possessing the skill. Therefore, the correct answer is "reading ability is nothing if it isn't used."

5. Samantha, I can’t eat or sleep when you are gone. I need to hear your scratchy voice and see your lovely toothless smile. I miss that special way that you eat soup with your fingers. Please come home soon!

What is the main idea of this paragraph?

Samantha, you have bad manners.

Samantha, you should see a dentist.

Samantha, I have lost my appetite

Samantha, I miss you.

The main idea of the paragraph is that the speaker misses Samantha. This is evident from the statement "I can't eat or sleep when you are gone" and the longing expressed for Samantha's voice, smile, and unique way of eating soup with her fingers.

Explanation

The main idea of the paragraph is that the speaker misses Samantha. This is evident from the statement "I can't eat or sleep when you are gone" and the longing expressed for Samantha's voice, smile, and unique way of eating soup with her fingers.

6. “If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins.”

*to rein: to control What is the main idea of this quote?

Avoid being passionate

You should think before you act

Let someone else drive

Do whatever you feel like doing

The main idea of this quote is that while passion can be a driving force, it is important to let reason guide and control your actions. It suggests that one should think before they act and not let their emotions solely dictate their decisions.

Explanation

The main idea of this quote is that while passion can be a driving force, it is important to let reason guide and control your actions. It suggests that one should think before they act and not let their emotions solely dictate their decisions.

7. Squidward said :“Too bad SpongeBob isn't here to enjoy SpongeBob not being here.”
Squidward actually means that _______.

He misses SpongeBob

He likes SpongeBob's visits

He enjoys SpongBob's absense

He hates SpongBob

Squidward's statement implies that he is actually enjoying SpongeBob's absence. This can be inferred from the phrase "enjoy SpongeBob not being here." It suggests that Squidward finds it pleasant or satisfying when SpongeBob is not around.

Explanation

Squidward's statement implies that he is actually enjoying SpongeBob's absence. This can be inferred from the phrase "enjoy SpongeBob not being here." It suggests that Squidward finds it pleasant or satisfying when SpongeBob is not around.