Main Idea Vocabulary (emphasis on location/context) Inference Special Case Fact

The main idea of this passage is. The central point of this writing is. The passage is primarily concerned with. The authors central concern is. The main objective of this passage is. A good title for this passage might be.

Topic + Authors Opinion = Main Idea

Answers are directly stated in the passage. Why What When Where Who How often Look for evidence in the passage.

First look for location words. Locate the word and read the sentence before and after it. Context is everything! Commas and dashes indicate a retelling. Must reflect definition as it is used in the sentence! May use a synonym (e.g. most nearly means) Look for antonyms in the context. Look for examples! Look for mood or tone. Prefixes and suffixes may help as well.

The answer is not directly stated in the passage! You must draw your own conclusion based on what the author presents.

we can conclude that. the author suggests that. one can infer that. the author would most likely agree with. the author implies that the. the author probably means that.

Details + Educated Guess = Inference

Focus on the negative; i.e. it asks what is NOT stated in the passage. You must find the wrong answer.

According to the passage, all of the following are true EXCEPT. The author agrees with all of the following EXCEPT. Which of the following is NOT a detail stated in the passage. Which of the following statements CANNOT be inferred from the passage. Which of the following conclusions is NOT TRUE based on the reading

Double-tiered questions list different answer choices and you must choose which ones are mentioned the passage and which ones are not.

What is the main idea of the passage?

A. Newborns are just as intelligent as adults B. An infants ability to sense and react to stimuli is already developed at birth. C. Newborns are all alike in that they like to explore their senses. D. Various research demonstrates that newborn babies consciously respond to stimuli. E. The Moro reflex is an important indicator of a newborns health.

As used in the fourth paragraph, the word elicited means:

A. B. C. D.

Called forth Changed Sustained Tricked

The rooting reflex is probably useful in helping a baby:

A. B. C. D. E.

Get nourishment. Withdraw from a dangerous situation. Cry for help. Communicate with the external world. Sucks on its fingers.

Which of the following is not mentioned as a reaction of newborns to visual stimuli?

A. Newborns shut their eyes after seeing bright lights. B. Newborns follow objects up and down or side to side. C. Newborns can distinguish between various facial expressions. D. Newborns focus more often on human faces than on inanimate objects. E. Newborns stare at soft yellow or red objects dangled before them.

As used in paragraph three, the word discriminated means:

A. B. C. D.

Prejudiced Stared at Confused Differentiated

According to the author, most adults:

A. Underestimate newborns visual abilities. B. Are too cautious with newborns. C. Do not understand the babys reflexes. D. Feel that newborns are miniature adults. E. Expect newborns to understand facial expressions.

We can conclude from the passage that:

A. Newborns go to sleep after being exposed to bright white lights. B. Babies younger that 36 hours of age never distinguish between different facial expressions. C. A newborn who doesnt turn its head and suck when its cheek is tickled may have a problem. D. Infants are frightened by sudden changes in head position or other surprise stimuli. E. Every newborn exhibits the Moro reflex.

According to the passage, which of the following statement(s) is/are true concerning the Moro reflex?

I. It involves the tickling of the newborns side to obtain a response. II. In the Moro reflex, the newborn cries because it misses its mother. III. A year-old baby who continues to show indications of the Moro reflex may be unhealthy.

A. B. C. D. E.

I and II only I and III only III only II and III only I, II, and III