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6th grade What an article is mostly about worksheet

6 printable versionsBuilding Confidence10 questions · answer keyFree · no account

Level: Building Confidence · On Level · Challenge Me

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What an article is mostly about

Grade 6 Reading Worksheet - Building Confidence

NameDate

Circle the best answer.

  1. Read this first

    The Book Bicycle (article)

    [1] A small library bicycle carries two bright boxes where a large van cannot easily stop. [2] The rider follows neighborhood paths to apartment courtyards and community centers far from the library branch.

    [3] Lids keep rain away from the books, and straps hold the boxes steady over bumps. [4] A repair kit lets the rider tighten a loose rack before the next stop.

    [5] The bicycle visits each location on the same afternoon every week. [6] Families can plan a visit because the schedule is posted on notice boards.

    [7] Readers return finished books and write requests for future visits. [8] The rider uses those requests to choose the next load of mysteries, guides, and picture books. Paragraph gist ladder: P1: books travel beyond the branch | P2: boxes protect the load | P3: regular stops help readers plan | P4: returns and requests shape later loads

  2. Ari reads the article and paragraph ladder. Which central idea connects all four rungs?

    • Waterproof lids and rack straps protect books during a bicycle trip.
    • A book bicycle brings a flexible library service closer to readers.
    • Posted schedules and written requests organize the bicycle's weekly visits.
    • Book bicycles can replace neighborhood branches for most families.
  3. The Book Bicycle (article)

    [1] A small library bicycle carries two bright boxes where a large van cannot easily stop. [2] The rider follows neighborhood paths to apartment courtyards and community centers far from the library branch.

    [3] Lids keep rain away from the books, and straps hold the boxes steady over bumps. [4] A repair kit lets the rider tighten a loose rack before the next stop.

    [5] The bicycle visits each location on the same afternoon every week. [6] Families can plan a visit because the schedule is posted on notice boards.

    [7] Readers return finished books and write requests for future visits. [8] The rider uses those requests to choose the next load of mysteries, guides, and picture books. Incomplete paragraph gist ladder: P1: books travel beyond the branch | P2: boxes protect the load | P3: regular stops help readers plan | P4: ?

  4. Bo completes the paragraph ladder. Which gist belongs on the fourth rung?

    • Readers hand back finished books at each stop.
    • Readers now decide which books the whole city borrows.
    • The rider tightens a loose rack before the next stop on the route.
    • Returns and requests guide what the bicycle carries next.
  5. The Book Bicycle (article)

    [1] A small library bicycle carries two bright boxes where a large van cannot easily stop. [2] The rider follows neighborhood paths to apartment courtyards and community centers far from the library branch.

    [3] Lids keep rain away from the books, and straps hold the boxes steady over bumps. [4] A repair kit lets the rider tighten a loose rack before the next stop.

    [5] The bicycle visits each location on the same afternoon every week. [6] Families can plan a visit because the schedule is posted on notice boards.

    [7] Readers return finished books and write requests for future visits. [8] The rider uses those requests to choose the next load of mysteries, guides, and picture books. Paragraph gist ladder: P1: books travel beyond the branch | P2: boxes protect the load | P3: regular stops help readers plan | P4: returns and requests shape later loads

  6. Esme compares a detail with the whole ladder. Which statement makes the correct distinction?

    • The weekly schedule is the whole idea; reader requests are a side detail.
    • Safe transport is the whole idea; schedules and requests are side details.
    • A posted schedule is one detail; the article explains a responsive library service.
    • A posted schedule is one detail; neighborhoods no longer need a library branch.
  7. Crossing by Sound and Touch (article)

    [1] Some crosswalk signals share information through sound and touch as well as light. [2] These features help travelers who cannot depend on the flashing picture across the street.

    [3] A quiet locator tone can guide a person toward the signal button. [4] When the crossing phase begins, a rapid sound or a vibrating arrow gives new information.

    [5] The signal stays connected to the same timing system as the visible walking symbol. [6] Its volume can rise near traffic and soften when the street grows quiet.

    [7] Technicians test whether the sound points toward the correct crossing. [8] They also check timing and volume so the message is useful without filling the whole block. Paragraph gist ladder: P1: signals can use several senses | P2: tones and vibration share directions | P3: timing and volume adjust | P4: technicians test the message

  8. Jun reads the article and ladder. Which central idea fits the complete article?

    • Multi-sensory signals can serve travelers who cannot rely on sight.
    • Audible signals make most busy intersections safer for pedestrians.
    • A vibrating arrow announces when one crossing phase begins.
    • Sound volume and crossing timing are adjusted by trained technicians.
  9. Crossing by Sound and Touch (article)

    [1] Some crosswalk signals share information through sound and touch as well as light. [2] These features help travelers who cannot depend on the flashing picture across the street.

    [3] A quiet locator tone can guide a person toward the signal button. [4] When the crossing phase begins, a rapid sound or a vibrating arrow gives new information.

    [5] The signal stays connected to the same timing system as the visible walking symbol. [6] Its volume can rise near traffic and soften when the street grows quiet.

    [7] Technicians test whether the sound points toward the correct crossing. [8] They also check timing and volume so the message is useful without filling the whole block. Incomplete paragraph gist ladder: P1: signals can use several senses | P2: ? | P3: timing and volume adjust | P4: technicians test the message

  10. Kira studies the incomplete ladder. Which gist belongs on the second rung?

    • Tones and vibration tell travelers where to go and when to walk.
    • Sound signals make crossing information clear to most city residents.
    • These features help travelers who cannot depend on the flashing picture.
    • A locator tone sounds quietly beside the signal button.
  11. Crossing by Sound and Touch (article)

    [1] Some crosswalk signals share information through sound and touch as well as light. [2] These features help travelers who cannot depend on the flashing picture across the street.

    [3] A quiet locator tone can guide a person toward the signal button. [4] When the crossing phase begins, a rapid sound or a vibrating arrow gives new information.

    [5] The signal stays connected to the same timing system as the visible walking symbol. [6] Its volume can rise near traffic and soften when the street grows quiet.

    [7] Technicians test whether the sound points toward the correct crossing. [8] They also check timing and volume so the message is useful without filling the whole block. Paragraph gist ladder: P1: signals can use several senses | P2: tones and vibration share directions | P3: timing and volume adjust | P4: technicians test the message

  12. Luz compares one fact with the article-wide idea. Which choice gets both parts right?

    • Changing volume is the central idea; testing direction is a minor example.
    • Changing volume is one detail; the article mainly explains signal maintenance.
    • Changing volume is one detail; tested features widen access for more travelers.
    • Changing volume is one detail; sound signals make most crossings safe.
  13. A Garden for Rain (article)

    [1] A rain garden is a shallow planted area that sits lower than the ground around it. [2] Water from a roof or paved path flows toward this gentle dip.

    [3] Stones at the edge slow the moving water before it reaches the plants. [4] The lowered shape holds runoff for a short time instead of sending it straight to a storm drain.

    [5] Deep plant roots open spaces in the soil, and water gradually soaks through them. [6] Soil and roots can also catch some dirt carried from the pavement.

    [7] After the rain ends, the collected water drains into the ground over several hours. [8] The garden is ready to receive runoff again when another shower arrives. Paragraph gist ladder: P1: runoff enters a planted dip | P2: stones and shape slow water | P3: roots help soaking and filtering | P4: the garden drains for later rain

  14. Milo reads the article and ladder. Which central idea reaches every rung?

    • Rain gardens can supply communities with water during long dry seasons.
    • The garden's lowered shape holds water beside deep plant roots.
    • A rain garden manages runoff by slowing and absorbing water.
    • Stones slow the water before runoff reaches the garden plants.
  15. A Garden for Rain (article)

    [1] A rain garden is a shallow planted area that sits lower than the ground around it. [2] Water from a roof or paved path flows toward this gentle dip.

    [3] Stones at the edge slow the moving water before it reaches the plants. [4] The lowered shape holds runoff for a short time instead of sending it straight to a storm drain.

    [5] Deep plant roots open spaces in the soil, and water gradually soaks through them. [6] Soil and roots can also catch some dirt carried from the pavement.

    [7] After the rain ends, the collected water drains into the ground over several hours. [8] The garden is ready to receive runoff again when another shower arrives. Incomplete paragraph gist ladder: P1: runoff enters a planted dip | P2: stones and shape slow water | P3: ? | P4: the garden drains for later rain

  16. Noah completes the article's paragraph ladder. Which gist belongs on the third rung?

    • Deep roots make open spaces inside the garden soil.
    • The collected water soaks into the ground over several hours.
    • Rain gardens clean runoff well enough to send it on to a stream.
    • Roots and soil help water soak in while catching some dirt.
  17. A Garden for Rain (article)

    [1] A rain garden is a shallow planted area that sits lower than the ground around it. [2] Water from a roof or paved path flows toward this gentle dip.

    [3] Stones at the edge slow the moving water before it reaches the plants. [4] The lowered shape holds runoff for a short time instead of sending it straight to a storm drain.

    [5] Deep plant roots open spaces in the soil, and water gradually soaks through them. [6] Soil and roots can also catch some dirt carried from the pavement.

    [7] After the rain ends, the collected water drains into the ground over several hours. [8] The garden is ready to receive runoff again when another shower arrives. Paragraph gist ladder: P1: runoff enters a planted dip | P2: stones and shape slow water | P3: roots help soaking and filtering | P4: the garden drains for later rain

  18. Pia separates one result from the whole process. Which statement is accurate?

    • Draining and soaking are the main idea; slowing the water is a side note.
    • Draining over several hours is one result; the article explains the whole process.
    • Draining over several hours is one result; gardens can store rain for droughts.
    • Draining over several hours is the main idea; the planted dip is background.
  19. Why Compost Gets Warm (article)

    [1] A compost pile mixes dry leaves with fruit peels, vegetable scraps, and other plant remains. [2] Tiny organisms begin breaking those materials into simpler parts.

    [3] As the organisms work, their activity releases heat inside the pile. [4] A warm center can show that decomposition is moving quickly.

    [5] Turning the pile brings in air, while a little water keeps the mixture from becoming too dry. [6] Too much water can squeeze out air and slow the organisms.

    [7] The pile cools after much of the original material has changed. [8] The dark, crumbly compost can then be mixed into soil to help it hold water. Paragraph gist ladder: P1: organisms break down plant remains | P2: their activity releases heat | P3: air and moisture affect the work | P4: cooling signals a later stage

  20. Ren reads the article and gist ladder. Which central idea connects the process?

    • Heat and cooling mark each stage of breakdown, with air and moisture guiding it.
    • A warm center can show that decomposition is moving quickly.
    • Warm compost piles make better soil than cool compost piles do.
    • Turning the pile and adding water keep the middle of a compost pile warm.
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6th grade What an article is mostly about worksheet – printable
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About this worksheet

What an article is mostly about. Every version has 10 questions, and the answer key prints on the second page.

What your child will learn

  • I can write a short gist for each paragraph.
  • I can connect the paragraph gists to find what the full article is mostly about.
  • I can reject an idea that covers one detail or reaches beyond the article.

Words to know

central idea: What the whole article mainly explains

paragraph gist: A few words that tell one paragraph's main point

key detail: A fact or example that helps explain the central idea

too narrow: Fits one part but leaves out other important parts

too broad: Reaches beyond what the article explains

qualify: Add a limit or contrast so an idea fits the text

Common mistakes

When finding what an article is mostly about, your child stopped at one true fact. Ask how that fact connects with the other paragraphs.

When finding what an article is mostly about, your child connected part of the text. Ask which paragraph the choice leaves out.

When finding what an article is mostly about, your child reached beyond the text. Ask whether each part of the choice appears in the article.

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with what an article is mostly about?

When finding what an article is mostly about, your child stopped at one true fact. Ask how that fact connects with the other paragraphs.

Are these 6th grade reading worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions at each level are free to print, with the answer key, and no account is needed.

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