Reading Informational Texts: Master the Main Idea, Supporting Details, and Author's Purpose

Question 1

What's the main reason headings are used in informational texts?

Accepted Answer

To give a quick summary of the main topics in the text

Answer

To show the most important ideas in the text

Answer

To link different parts of the text and show how they're related

Question 2

In an informational text, an author writes, 'The relentless march of technology continues.' What is the author's primary purpose for using this rhetorical device?

Accepted Answer

To highlight the rapid and ongoing advancement of technology

Answer

To express enthusiasm for recent technological developments

Answer

To raise concerns about the potential negative impacts of technology

Answer

To suggest that technology will eventually control society

Question 3

How do the author's purpose and intended audience shape the message and presentation of an informational text?

Accepted Answer

The author's purpose and intended audience greatly influence the text's message and presentation.

Answer

The author's purpose is not important in understanding the text.

Answer

The intended audience does not affect how the text is presented.

Answer

The author's purpose and intended audience determine the text's main idea.

Question 4

How do transitions help authors connect ideas and support their arguments in informational texts?

Accepted Answer

They help readers follow the logical flow of ideas and the author's argument.

Answer

They introduce new ideas that are unrelated to the previous ones.

Answer

They summarize the main points of the text at the end.

Answer

They show the author's feelings and opinions about the topic.

Question 5

How do language and tone shape the meaning and impact of an informational text?

Accepted Answer

The language and tone used in an informational text can create a specific atmosphere or mood, influencing the reader's emotional response to the text.

Answer

Language and tone have no effect on the meaning and impact of the text.

Answer

Language and tone mainly affect the readability of the text, but have little impact on its meaning and impact.

Answer

Language and tone are interchangeable concepts that refer to the same aspect of writing style.

Question 6

Which element can harm the coherence and effectiveness of an informational text?

Accepted Answer

Irrelevant information

Answer

Headings and subheadings

Answer

Paragraphs on specific subtopics

Answer

Transitions between ideas

Question 7

In an informational text, bias can affect the selection, presentation, and interpretation of information. Explain how bias can influence each of these aspects with specific examples.

Accepted Answer

Bias can affect the selection of information by leading the author to include or exclude certain facts or viewpoints based on their own beliefs or values.

Accepted Answer

Bias can affect the presentation of information by causing the author to use language or images that favor one perspective over another.

Accepted Answer

Bias can affect the interpretation of information by causing the author to draw conclusions that are not supported by the evidence.

Answer

Bias is always intentional and obvious.

Question 8

When reading an informational text, which strategy is most helpful for telling the difference between facts and opinions, and for judging how strong the evidence is?

Accepted Answer

Look for words that show opinions, like 'I think' or 'in my view', and think about the author's knowledge and possible biases.

Answer

Just use the author's tone and style to decide if the information is true.

Answer

Believe everything in the text without checking if it's true or if it's related to the topic.

Question 9

How can bias impact the reliability of an informational text?

Accepted Answer

Weaken credibility by introducing subjectivity and potentially misleading information

Answer

Increase credibility by presenting diverse perspectives

Answer

Enhance accuracy by omitting subjective opinions

Answer

Strengthen persuasiveness by appealing to emotions

Question 10

Authors have ethical responsibilities when writing informational texts. Which of the following is NOT an ethical responsibility of authors?

Accepted Answer

Use sensational or biased language to support their claims.

Answer

Present accurate and verifiable information.

Answer

Avoid plagiarism and give credit to sources.

Answer

Consider the potential impact of their writing on readers.

Question 11

How does the author's use of figurative language help us understand the impact of the Great Depression?

Accepted Answer

The simile 'like a house of cards' shows how quickly and easily the economy collapsed.

Accepted Answer

The metaphor 'financial system was in shambles' describes the chaos and disorder in the economy.

Answer

The use of figurative language does not help us understand the impact of the Great Depression.

Question 12

Read the excerpt and examine the graph below. How does the graph support the excerpt's claim about the relationship between social media use and mental health?

Accepted Answer

The graph shows that people who spend more time on social media are more likely to experience mental health issues.

Answer

The graph lists the specific mental health issues linked to social media use.

Answer

The graph compares the effects of different social media platforms on mental health.

Answer

The graph proves that social media use is the only factor that causes mental health issues.

Question 13

How do visual aids help readers better understand informational texts?

Accepted Answer

Visual aids make complex information easier to understand.

Answer

Visual aids are just decorations and don't add to the text.

Answer

Visual aids can distract readers from the main text.

Answer

Visual aids have no effect on how well a reader understands the text.

Question 14

How does an author's use of language impact the reader's understanding and emotional response to an informational text?

Accepted Answer

Using words that trigger specific emotions or feelings

Answer

Using complex sentences to sound formal and intelligent

Answer

Using technical terms to show expertise

Answer

Avoiding personal pronouns to sound objective

Question 15

How can an author's use of humor and satire enhance the appeal and effectiveness of an informational text?

Accepted Answer

It makes the text more engaging and enjoyable to read.

Answer

It undermines the author's credibility and reduces the text's persuasiveness.

Answer

Humor and satire are inappropriate for use in informational texts.

Answer

Humor and satire have no significant impact on the appeal or effectiveness of an informational text.

Question 16

Read the following paragraph: 'The internet has transformed communication. Now, we can connect with loved ones far away with ease.' What is the main idea of this paragraph?

Accepted Answer

The internet has simplified communication.

Answer

The internet complicates communication.

Answer

The internet is a hazardous space.

Answer

The internet is a waste of time.

Question 17

Which of the following statements supports the main idea of the paragraph in question 2?

Accepted Answer

The internet allows us to connect with others instantly.

Answer

The internet makes communication inconvenient.

Answer

The internet is primarily useful for business purposes.

Answer

The internet is not reliable.

Question 18

Read the following sentence: 'The author's purpose in this article is to educate readers about the significance of recycling.' What is the author's purpose in writing this article?

Accepted Answer

To inform readers

Answer

To entertain readers

Answer

To persuade readers

Answer

To argue with readers

Question 19

The primary purpose of an informational text is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide factual information to the reader.

Answer

Convince the reader of a particular viewpoint.

Answer

Entertain the reader with a compelling story.

Answer

Express the author's personal opinions.

Question 20

The central or general idea of an informational text is known as the:

Accepted Answer

Main idea

Answer

Supporting detail

Answer

Author's purpose

Answer

Conclusion

Question 21

Examples, statistics, and anecdotes are all considered types of:

Accepted Answer

Evidence

Answer

Arguments

Answer

Opinions

Answer

Facts

Question 22

A personal opinion or prejudice that influences an author's writing is called a:

Accepted Answer

Bias

Answer

Fact

Answer

Argument

Answer

Conclusion

Question 23

What is the most effective way to determine the main idea of an informational text?

Accepted Answer

Carefully read the entire text and identify the most important points.

Answer

Read only the first and last paragraphs.

Answer

Scan the text for keywords.

Answer

Read only the introduction and conclusion.

Question 24

What is the purpose of an author's note in an informational text?

Accepted Answer

To provide background information about the author.

Answer

To reveal the author's bias on the subject.

Answer

To give a brief summary of the text.

Answer

To introduce the main characters in the text.

Question 25

What is the key difference between a primary and a secondary source?

Accepted Answer

A primary source offers a firsthand account of an event, whereas a secondary source provides an interpretation of that event.

Answer

A secondary source provides a firsthand account of an event, whereas a primary source offers an interpretation of that event.

Answer

A primary source is written by an expert, while a secondary source is written by a non-expert.

Answer

A secondary source is written by an expert, while a primary source is written by a non-expert.

Question 26

Supporting details in an informational text are:

Accepted Answer

Facts and examples that prove the main idea

Answer

Opinions and beliefs that support the main idea

Answer

Questions that help to explain the main idea

Answer

Stories that illustrate the main idea

Question 27

Which of the following is NOT a key feature of an informational text?

Accepted Answer

It aims to persuade the reader.

Answer

It presents facts and evidence.

Answer

It has a clear and logical structure.

Answer

It uses specific and technical vocabulary.

Question 28

What is the primary purpose of an author's purpose statement?

Accepted Answer

To state the author's perspective on the topic.

Answer

To summarize the main ideas of the text.

Answer

To reveal the author's personal beliefs.

Answer

To provide specific evidence to support claims.

Question 29

Which of these signal words typically indicates a supporting detail?

Accepted Answer

For instance

Answer

Therefore

Answer

Although

Answer

However

Question 30

What is the fundamental difference between a fact and an opinion?

Accepted Answer

A fact is verifiable, while an opinion is subjective.

Answer

An opinion is based on evidence, while a fact is not.

Answer

A fact is always universally accepted, while an opinion can vary.

Answer

There is no distinction between a fact and an opinion.

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT an effective active reading strategy?

Accepted Answer

Memorizing the text word for word.

Answer

Highlighting key points in the text.

Answer

Writing notes in the margins to clarify understanding.

Answer

Asking questions about the content to enhance comprehension.

Question 32

What is the primary function of a graphic organizer?

Accepted Answer

To organize and visually represent information.

Answer

To replace the need for reading the actual text.

Answer

To summarize the text in a concise format.

Answer

To evaluate the quality and accuracy of a source.

Question 33

Which of the following is an example of a supporting detail that provides evidence for the main idea?

Accepted Answer

The Declaration of Independence declared the American colonies' independence from Great Britain.

Answer

The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.

Answer

The Declaration of Independence is a historical document.

Answer

The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson.

Question 34

What is the primary purpose of an informational text?

Accepted Answer

To inform the reader about a topic

Answer

To persuade the reader to take action

Answer

To entertain the reader

Answer

To argue a point of view

Question 35

The process of breaking down an informational text into its main components, such as main idea, supporting details, and structure, is known as

Accepted Answer

Text analysis

Answer

Summarizing

Answer

Outlining

Answer

Paraphrasing

Question 36

Which of the following is NOT a type of informational text?

Accepted Answer

Diary entry

Answer

Article

Answer

Newspaper

Answer

Biography

Question 37

How does an author's use of language, sentence structure, and paragraphing contribute to the overall clarity and organization of an informational text?

Accepted Answer

It creates a logical flow of ideas and information.

Answer

It has no impact on the text's clarity or organization.

Answer

It helps the reader identify the main idea of the text.

Answer

It only affects the style of the text, not its clarity or organization.

Question 38

Read the following excerpt: 'The United States is a diverse nation.' What is the main idea of this sentence?

Accepted Answer

The United States is a country with many different cultures.

Answer

The United States is a better place because of its diversity.

Answer

The United States is not a welcoming place for all cultures.

Answer

The United States has a long history of immigration.

Question 39

Which of the following is an example of plagiarism?

Accepted Answer

Using someone else's ideas without giving them credit

Answer

Citing a source correctly

Answer

Paraphrasing a source in your own words

Answer

Summarizing a source in your own words

Question 40

Which of the following is NOT a type of informational text?

Accepted Answer

Novel

Answer

Article

Answer

Essay

Answer

Speech

Question 41

What is the primary purpose of an informational text?

Accepted Answer

To inform the reader about a certain topic

Answer

To entertain the reader with a fictional story

Answer

To persuade the reader to accept a specific viewpoint

Answer

To express the author's personal thoughts and emotions

Question 42

In a supporting detail, which piece of information is most significant?

Accepted Answer

The precise fact or instance that supports the main idea

Answer

The general subject of the paragraph

Answer

The author's perspective on the issue

Answer

The paragraph's conclusion

Question 43

What is an author's purpose in writing a text that compares and contrasts two perspectives?

Accepted Answer

To highlight both the similarities and differences between the perspectives

Answer

To advocate that one perspective is superior to another

Answer

To provide an unbiased overview of both perspectives

Answer

To persuade the reader to adopt a specific perspective

Question 44

What is the difference between a fact and an opinion?

Accepted Answer

Facts are supported by evidence, while opinions are based on emotions

Answer

Opinions are supported by evidence, while facts are based on emotions

Answer

Facts are always accurate, while opinions can be either true or false

Answer

Opinions are always incorrect, while facts can be either true or false

Question 45

What is the main premise of a text that contends that mobile phones should be prohibited in schools?

Accepted Answer

Mobile phones are disruptive to students and should be prohibited in schools

Answer

Mobile phones are advantageous to students and should be permitted in schools

Answer

Mobile phones can be utilized for both beneficial and detrimental purposes in schools

Answer

Students should be allowed to use mobile phones in schools if they use them sensibly

Question 46

Which of the following is not a crucial characteristic of an informational text?

Accepted Answer

Incorporating personal anecdotes

Answer

Clear and concise language

Answer

Utilizing specialized terminology

Answer

Well-structured organization

Question 47

What is the point of a text that offers instructions?

Accepted Answer

To lead the reader through a series of actions

Answer

To educate the reader on a particular topic

Answer

To persuade the reader to embrace a specific point of view

Answer

To entertain the reader with a fictional story

Question 48

Which of the following is NOT a skill students will focus on in this unit?

Accepted Answer

Predicting future events

Answer

Identifying the main idea

Answer

Supporting the main idea with evidence

Answer

Interpreting the author's purpose

Question 49

What is a distinctive feature of informational text?

Accepted Answer

It educates and informs

Answer

It tells a story

Answer

It convinces the reader

Answer

It amuses the reader

Question 50

Read this sentence: 'The new legislation will severely harm the environment.' What is the author's apparent tone in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Critical

Answer

Optimistic

Answer

Neutral

Answer

Sarcastic

Question 51

Which text structure is commonly found in scientific reports?

Accepted Answer

Cause and effect

Answer

Sequence of events

Answer

Comparison and contrast

Answer

Problem and solution

Question 52

How do text organizers like subheadings and bullet points help readers understand informational texts?

Accepted Answer

They break down complex information into smaller, easier-to-understand parts.

Answer

They make the text more visually appealing.

Answer

They add new information not found in the main text.

Answer

They reduce the need for readers to actively engage with the text.

Question 53

To find the main idea of an informational text, which strategy is most helpful?

Accepted Answer

Identifying the topic sentence of each paragraph

Answer

Reading only the first and last sentences

Answer

Looking up unfamiliar words

Answer

Skipping the title and headings

Question 54

Which of the following is **NOT** a characteristic of an informational text?

Accepted Answer

Convinces the reader

Answer

Presents facts and evidence

Answer

Uses objective language

Answer

Organizes information logically

Question 55

Which of the following strategies is most effective for identifying the main idea of a text?

Accepted Answer

Identifying key details and examples

Answer

Skimming the text for keywords

Answer

Reading the title and subheadings only

Answer

Rereading the text multiple times

Question 56

What is the key difference between a fact and an opinion?

Accepted Answer

Facts are based on evidence, while opinions are personal beliefs

Answer

Opinions can be proven, while facts cannot

Answer

Facts are always true, while opinions can be wrong

Answer

Opinions are important, while facts are not

Question 57

Which of the following texts is most likely to be an informational text?

Accepted Answer

A newspaper article

Answer

A novel

Answer

A poem

Answer

A short story

Question 58

What is a key advantage of analyzing the structure of an informational text?

Accepted Answer

It aids in identifying key points and supporting evidence

Answer

It helps identify the author's bias

Answer

It simplifies the text for easier comprehension

Answer

It allows for a direct comparison to other texts

Question 59

How do supporting details relate to the main idea in an informational text?

Accepted Answer

They provide evidence to support the main idea

Answer

They prove the main idea

Answer

They summarize the main idea

Answer

They contradict the main idea

Question 60

Which transition word is commonly used to indicate a contrasting idea in an informational text?

Accepted Answer

However

Answer

Therefore

Answer

For example

Answer

In addition

Question 61

Why is it important to evaluate the credibility of an informational text?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information

Answer

To determine the author's qualifications

Answer

To compare perspectives on the topic

Answer

To evaluate the text's writing style

Question 62

To effectively identify the most important information in an informational text, which strategy should you use?

Accepted Answer

Identify the main idea and supporting details

Answer

Quickly skim the text

Answer

Highlight every sentence that appears important

Answer

Reread the text several times

Question 63

Which informational text effectively presents complex information in a clear and engaging way for a diverse audience?

Accepted Answer

Text A: Uses simple language, clear headings, and relevant visuals to make complex information accessible.

Answer

Text B: Assumes prior knowledge and includes technical jargon, making it difficult to understand.

Answer

Text C: Lacks clear organization and visual aids, making it hard to follow the information presented.

Answer

Text D: Includes unnecessary details and extraneous information, distracting from the main points.

Question 64

In an informational text, how can an author's word choice affect the reader?

Accepted Answer

Create a particular mood or atmosphere

Answer

Highlight the main idea

Answer

Make complex ideas easier to understand

Answer

Ensure the text is accurate