Let’s look at the first paragraph about apples.
The paragraph says:
“Apples can be used to make many delicious treats.”
Then it gives examples: caramel apple slices, applesauce, apple pie, fresh apple juice, and eating them straight off the tree.
It ends by saying: “There are many ways to enjoy this wholesome food.”
So the whole paragraph is talking about how there are lots of different tasty things you can do with apples — not just one thing like juice or cooking.
Now let’s check the answer choices:
(A) you can use apples to make apple juice → Too narrow. The paragraph mentions juice, but also pies, sauce, caramel, etc.
(B) apples are good for you → Not really mentioned. It says “wholesome,” but that’s not the main focus.
(C) you can make many kinds of treats from apples → Yes! This matches the first sentence and all the examples.
(D) you have to cook apples before you can make applesauce → False. You don’t *have* to cook them (you could eat them raw), and this isn’t the main idea anyway.
✔ So the correct answer for question 1 is (C).
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Now let’s look at the second paragraph about chameleons.
First sentence: “Chameleons might change colors for several different reasons.”
Then it explains:
- In the sun → light green → reflects sunlight → cools down
- Cold → darker color → soaks up heat
- Mood changes → bright colors when angry
All these are different reasons why they change color.
Answer choices:
(A) chameleons change colors for different reasons → Matches the first sentence and covers all the examples.
(B) chameleons turn dark colors when they are cold → True, but only one reason — too specific.
(C) chameleons have anger problems → No, it says they show mood, not that they have “problems.”
(D) chameleons like to soak up the sun → Only part of the story — again, too narrow.
✔ So the correct answer for question 2 is (A).
Final Answer:
1. (C)
2. (A)
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of main idea worksheets 3rd grade.
