Main Idea in Paragraphs

Grade 2 Reading Worksheet - Challenge Me

Read the text. Circle the best answer.

1. Read this first

   Numbered reading texts

   Text 1: Beavers cut down trees with their strong front teeth. They stack the logs and mud across a stream to make a dam. The dam slows the water and forms a pond. In the middle of the pond, the beavers build a lodge for their family.

   Text 2: Weather helpers study clouds, wind, and temperature. They use maps and tools to see storms before they arrive. Pizza is a popular food at parties. Then they share a forecast on television and phones. Families use the forecast to decide what to wear and plan their day.

   Text 3: Used paper can be sorted and collected by workers. Machines mix the paper with water to make a soft pulp. The pulp is pressed flat and dried. The dried sheets become fresh new paper.

   Text 4: A cactus grows where there is very little rain. Many children ride bicycles to school. Its thick stem stores water for dry days. Sharp spines keep thirsty animals away. Its roots spread out wide to soak up rain quickly.

2. 1.

   Use Text 1. What is the main idea of the paragraph?

   • Animals live in many kinds of homes.
   • The dam slows the water and forms a pond.
   • Beavers change the land to build a home.
3. 2.

   Use Text 2. Which sentence does not belong in the paragraph?

   • Then they share a forecast on television and phones.
   • Pizza is a popular food at parties.
   • Weather helpers study clouds, wind, and temperature.
4. 3.

   Use Text 3. What is the main idea of the paragraph?

   • Recycling is good for the planet.
   • Old paper can be made into new paper in steps.
   • Machines mix the paper with water to make a soft pulp.
5. 4.

   Use Text 4. Which sentence does not belong in the paragraph?

   • Sharp spines keep thirsty animals away.
   • Many children ride bicycles to school.
   • Its thick stem stores water for dry days.