Main Idea of a Picture - ESL worksheet by nailkka - Free Printable

Let's solve each question by identifying the main idea of each paragraph. The main idea is the most important point or message the author wants to convey in a paragraph.

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Paragraph 1:

> On Saturday, Mary went for a hike in the woods near her house. She packed a lunch and put it in her backpack. She wore a hat. She followed the trail through the woods all the way to where it ended at the river. There, she sat down and ate her sandwich.

What’s happening?
Mary goes on a hike, packs a lunch, wears a hat, walks to the river, and eats her sandwich.

Now let's look at the choices:
- A. Mary wore a hat. → This is a detail.
- B. Mary went for a hike. → This covers the overall activity.
- C. Mary ate a sandwich. → Another detail.
- D. Mary walked to the river. → Also a detail.

✔ Correct answer: B. Mary went for a hike.
This is the main idea because everything else (wearing a hat, eating a sandwich, walking to the river) supports the fact that she went hiking.

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Paragraph 2:

> When Bob got to school he realized he had left his lunch at home. He looked in his pockets, but he did not have any money to buy lunch. When he told his friend Pete, Pete offered Bob half of his sandwich.

What’s the key point?
Bob forgot his lunch and didn’t have money. His friend Pete helps him by sharing food.

Let’s examine the options:
- A. Bob went to school. → True, but too general.
- B. Bob forgot his lunch. → Important, but not the full picture.
- C. Bob doesn’t have any money. → A detail.
- D. Pete is kind. → This captures the central message: despite Bob’s problem, Pete helped him — showing kindness.

✔ Correct answer: D. Pete is kind.
While Bob’s situation is described, the main idea is about Pete’s helpfulness. The focus shifts to Pete’s action, which reveals his character.

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Paragraph 3:

> Mittens was the tiniest kitten in the litter. While the other kittens seemed to grow a lot every day, Mittens stayed tiny. She could easily get under furniture where the other cats didn’t fit, and she often went missing. She was so little that sometimes her human would scoop her up and put her in a coffee mug!

What’s the central idea?
Mittens is small — smaller than others — and this causes unique situations (hiding, being placed in a mug).

Choices:
- A. Mittens is tiny. → This is the core trait that explains everything else.
- B. Mittens is a kitten. → Too general; all the kittens are kittens.
- C. Mittens likes to hide. → One behavior, not the main point.
- D. Mittens fits into a coffee mug. → A specific example.

✔ Correct answer: A. Mittens is tiny.
All the details (not growing, hiding, being placed in a mug) support how small she is. So, "Mittens is tiny" is the main idea.

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✔ Final Answers:

1. B. Mary went for a hike.
2. D. Pete is kind.
3. A. Mittens is tiny.

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📌 Summary:

To find the main idea, ask:
➡️ What is the most important point the paragraph is making?
➡️ Which choice includes all the key details and isn't just a single detail?

The main idea is usually broader than the supporting details.