Daily Reading Practice

Day 2 of 10
Grade 6 ELA | Central Idea Analysis | Part A/Part B Format
FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.6.R.2.2 - Analyze the central idea(s), its development, and the relationship between supporting details.
IXL Skills: Determine the central idea of a passage; Identify supporting details
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Directions: Read the passage below carefully. Then answer the questions that follow. Pay attention to how the central idea is developed through key details and examples.
The Mirror Effect

Jasmine Chen had never thought much about how she presented herself until she started middle school. Suddenly, it seemed like everyone was watching, judging, comparing. She found herself studying other students, wondering what they thought when they looked at her.

One afternoon, her grandmother noticed Jasmine practicing different expressions in the bathroom mirror. "What are you doing, little one?" she asked gently.

"Trying to figure out how to look right," Jasmine admitted. "Everyone seems to know exactly who they are except me."

Her grandmother sat down beside her. "When I was your age in Taiwan, I felt the same way. I spent years trying to be what others expected. Do you know what I learned?"

Jasmine shook her head.

"That people are mirrors. When you are confident and genuine, they reflect warmth back to you. When you are anxious and trying to perform, they sense it and become uncertain too." Her grandmother paused. "The secret isn't finding the right mask to wear. It's learning to be comfortable in your own skin."

That night, Jasmine thought about her grandmother's words. She remembered times when she'd laughed freely with friends versus times when she'd been self-conscious and stiff. The difference wasn't in how she looked. It was in how she felt inside.

The next morning, Jasmine made a decision. Instead of scanning faces for approval, she would focus on being present. Being curious about others rather than worried about their opinions. It wouldn't be easy, but she finally understood that authenticity wasn't about being perfect. It was about being real.

Questions 1-2: Central Idea Identification
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
What is the CENTRAL IDEA of this passage?
A
Middle school is a difficult time because everyone is judging each other.
B
Being authentic and comfortable with yourself is more important than trying to please others.
C
Grandparents often have wisdom that can help young people solve their problems.
D
People should avoid looking in mirrors too often because it makes them self-conscious.
Part B
Which detail from the passage BEST supports the central idea identified in Part A?
A
"Jasmine Chen had never thought much about how she presented herself until she started middle school."
B
"When I was your age in Taiwan, I felt the same way."
C
"She finally understood that authenticity wasn't about being perfect. It was about being real."
D
"One afternoon, her grandmother noticed Jasmine practicing different expressions in the bathroom mirror."
Practice this skill on IXL: Determine the main idea of a passage
Questions 3-4: Central Idea Development
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
How does the grandmother's metaphor about mirrors contribute to the central idea?
A
It suggests that people are naturally superficial and focus on appearances.
B
It explains why Jasmine spends so much time looking at her reflection.
C
It illustrates how genuine confidence in yourself positively affects how others respond to you.
D
It shows that the grandmother had the exact same problems as Jasmine.
Part B
Which quotation from the passage BEST demonstrates the grandmother's metaphor in action?
A
"She remembered times when she'd laughed freely with friends versus times when she'd been self-conscious and stiff."
B
"Suddenly, it seemed like everyone was watching, judging, comparing."
C
"Trying to figure out how to look right."
D
"The next morning, Jasmine made a decision."
Practice this skill on IXL: Use key details to determine the main idea
FAST Success Kit | Grade 6 Daily Reading Practice | Day 2
FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.6.R.2.2 | Lexile: 990L-1030L
Practice questions mirror Florida FAST assessment Part A/Part B format
Back to Daily Reading
← Previous: Day 1 - Theme Next: Day 3 - Character & Plot →

Answer Key (Teacher Reference)

Question 1 Part A: B - Being authentic and comfortable with yourself is more important than trying to please others.
This captures the main message Jasmine learns through her grandmother's advice and her own reflection.
Question 1 Part B: C - "She finally understood that authenticity wasn't about being perfect. It was about being real."
This directly states Jasmine's realization about the importance of authenticity.
Question 2 Part A: C - It illustrates how genuine confidence in yourself positively affects how others respond to you.
The mirror metaphor explains that others reflect back what we project through our confidence.
Question 2 Part B: A - "She remembered times when she'd laughed freely with friends versus times when she'd been self-conscious and stiff."
This shows Jasmine realizing through experience that her inner state affected her interactions.