Main Idea in Nonfiction

Identifying the Main Idea in Nonfiction

Read each nonfiction passage carefully. Then, answer the questions to identify the main idea and supporting details.

The Importance of Trees

Trees are very important for our planet. They help us breathe by taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Trees also provide homes for many animals, like birds and squirrels. Their roots help to hold the soil in place, which stops erosion, especially after heavy rains. Many fruits and nuts that we eat come from trees. Without trees, our world would be a very different place.

1. What is the main idea of the passage?

2. Which of the following is a supporting detail from the passage?

How Bees Make Honey

Bees are amazing insects that work together to make delicious honey. First, worker bees fly from their hive to flowers. They use their long tongues to suck up nectar, a sweet liquid found in flowers. They store this nectar in a special stomach called a honey sac. Back at the hive, the worker bees pass the nectar to other bees. These bees add enzymes to the nectar and fan it with their wings to evaporate the water. This process turns the nectar into thick, golden honey. The honey is then stored in honeycomb cells for food.

3. What is the main idea of this passage?

4. True or False: Bees store honey in their regular stomachs.

The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous natural wonders in the world. It is a huge, deep canyon carved by the Colorado River in Arizona. It is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep. The canyon walls show layers of colorful rock that tell a story of millions of years of Earth's history. Many people visit the Grand Canyon each year to hike, raft, and enjoy the breathtaking views.

5. What is the main idea of this passage? Choose the best answer.

6. In your own words, explain why it is important to find the main idea when reading nonfiction.