assignment_returnWorksheet: The Main Idea Arena
Standard(s): RI.3.2

A BIG PROBLEM

In this opening paragraph, what does the writer want?

A BIG PROBLEM

Have you ever tried to find a missing paper in a crowded desk or had something taken while someone was using your desk? Well, the third graders at my school have these issues because we do not have lockers. Every time we turn around something from our desks are missing, lost, or stolen. I hear, “I cannot find my notebook in this crowded desk or my favorite pencil has vanished.” This is why I feel so strongly that students should have lockers. Lockers would not only prevent crowded desks and items from being stolen, but they would also help students become organized. This huge problem of crowded desks and stolen supplies could be solved and everyone would be thanking you, Mr. White. So can we please have lockers for third grade students?

How did this student come up with the information for the paragraph?

A BIG PROBLEM

Have you ever tried to find a missing paper in a crowded desk or had something taken while someone was using your desk? Well, the third graders at my school have these issues because we do not have lockers. Every time we turn around some-things from our desks are missing, lost, or stolen. I hear, “I cannot find my notebook in this crowded desk or my favorite pencil has vanished.” This is why I feel so strongly that students should have lockers. Lockers would not only prevent crowded desks and items from being stolen, but they would also help students become organized. This huge problem of crowded desks and stolen supplies could be solved and everyone would be thanking you, Mr. White. So can we please have lockers for third grade students?

Which statement below describes what the author is trying to persuade someone to think?

In 218 B.C., Romans ruled most of the world that they knew about. They felt protected by the Alps – high, snow-covered mountains to the east and north of them that enemies would find very difficult to cross. Then Hannibal came from Carthage, in what is now North Africa, with 9000 infantrymen – soldiers on foot – and something even more surprising: elephants. Hannibal had crossed the Alps with 37 elephants – creatures so terrifying that the Romans, who had never seen such animals, were thrown into a panic.

Based on what you know in this passage, what do you predict happened next?

Read the selection and answer the question.

Good manners can be seen at home, at school, on the playground, and at the dining table where we eat out meals. A well mannered person is polite and gentle when he talks.

Everyone likes a person who is polite and good mannered. Good manners are always liked by everyone and bring good rewards.

All that is right pleases everyone. Therefore we should do what is right always. We should always remember to do what is right.

All that is wrong displeases everyone. Therefore, we should not do what is wrong. We will be rewarded for our good actions.

A boy or girl who constantly comes late for any work cannot be depended upon. People do not give him any important work for they do not know whether he will come on time or not. A person who is always late loses his friends.

All of us make mistakes. When we make a mistake we do not like to be punished for it. We like to be forgiven. Therefore, we too should forgive the mistakes of others. Forgiveness is a great virtue.

It is easy to make a mistake, but it is not easy to forget that mistake. If we make some mistake, we should feel sorry for it. We should also apologize to the person whom we have hurt.

We should not cheat in an examination. Cheating always does more harm than good. We should not keep bad company.

What does this selection talk about?