Example of a reading comprehension worksheet focusing on identifying main ideas.

Let’s go step by step to solve this problem.

We are given a passage about Dr. James Naismith and the invention of basketball. The task is to:

1. Read the passage.
2. Identify the main idea of each paragraph (there are 3 paragraphs).
3. Write one sentence for each paragraph that states its main idea.
4. Then, write one overall main idea for the entire passage — also in one sentence.

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Step 1: Understand what “main idea” means

The main idea of a paragraph is the most important point the author wants you to know from that paragraph. It’s not every detail — just the big picture of what that part is saying.

For the whole passage, the main idea is the central message or theme that ties all the paragraphs together.

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Step 2: Break down each paragraph

*Paragraph 1:*
> An appropriate title:
> In December of 1891, a Canadian named James Naismith was teaching at the YMCA College in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was trying to find an indoor game that his students could play during the winter months. He wanted something that would be safe, fun, and easy to learn. After thinking about it, he decided to create a new game using two peach baskets and a soccer ball. That’s how basketball was born!

→ Main idea of Paragraph 1: James Naismith invented basketball in 1891 as a safe, fun indoor game for his students during winter.

*Paragraph 2:*
> An appropriate title:
> At first, the game was very simple. Players threw the ball into peach baskets nailed to the gym walls. There were no holes in the bottom of the baskets, so someone had to climb up and get the ball out after each score! Over time, rules changed — they added backboards, cut holes in the baskets, and made other improvements to make the game faster and more exciting.

→ Main idea of Paragraph 2: Basketball started with basic rules and equipment, but evolved over time to become faster and more exciting.

*Paragraph 3:*
> An appropriate title:
> Today, basketball is played all over the world. Millions of people watch professional games on TV, and kids play it in schools and parks everywhere. Dr. Naismith never imagined his simple game would become such a huge global sport. His invention brought joy to generations and became one of the most popular sports ever created.

→ Main idea of Paragraph 3: Basketball grew from a small school game into a worldwide phenomenon loved by millions.

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Step 3: Combine them into one overall main idea

What do all three paragraphs have in common? They tell the story of how basketball was invented, how it changed, and how it became popular globally — all because of Dr. Naismith’s original idea.

So the overall main idea should capture: invention → evolution → global popularity.

→ Overall main idea: Dr. James Naismith invented basketball in 1891 as a simple indoor game, which later evolved and became one of the most popular sports in the world.

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Final Answer:

Main idea of Paragraph 1: James Naismith invented basketball in 1891 as a safe, fun indoor game for his students during winter.

Main idea of Paragraph 2: Basketball started with basic rules and equipment, but evolved over time to become faster and more exciting.

Main idea of Paragraph 3: Basketball grew from a small school game into a worldwide phenomenon loved by millions.

Overall main idea of the passage: Dr. James Naismith invented basketball in 1891 as a simple indoor game, which later evolved and became one of the most popular sports in the world.