What is a Main Idea?
What is the main idea of a paragraph?
a) The first sentence in the paragraph.
b) The main point or overall message the paragraph conveys.
c) A fact that is mentioned in the paragraph.
d) The last sentence of the paragraph.
b) The main point or overall message the paragraph conveys.
What are supporting details?
a) Extra words added to make a paragraph longer.
b) Ideas that are unrelated to the main point.
c) Specific facts, examples, or information that back up the main idea.
d) The main idea of the paragraph.
c) Specific facts, examples, or information that back up the main idea.
"Pandas live in the mountains of China and eat mainly bamboo. Their black and white fur makes them easy to recognize. Although pandas are loved worldwide, they are an endangered species due to habitat loss."
a) Pandas are easily recognizable.
b) Pandas live in China and are endangered.
b) Pandas live in China and are endangered.
"Honeybees pollinate many types of plants, helping them grow and reproduce. Without bees, many of the foods we eat would not exist. Bees also produce honey, which has been used by humans for thousands of years."
a) Honeybees help pollinate plants.
b) Bees produce honey.
a) Honeybees help pollinate plants.
Which of the following is likely to be a main idea?
a) Dogs are mammals that have four legs.
b) Dogs are popular pets because they are loyal and friendly.
c) Many dogs have a good sense of smell.
d) Some dogs are trained to help police officers.
b) Dogs are popular pets because they are loyal and friendly.
Which sentence is a supporting detail for the main idea: "Exercise is good for your health"?
a) You need to sleep well to stay healthy.
b) Exercising helps your heart and muscles stay strong.
c) It’s important to drink water every day.
d) Many people enjoy eating healthy food.
b) Exercising helps your heart and muscles stay strong.
The cheetah is the fastest land animal, able to run at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. However, cheetahs can only maintain this speed for short bursts. They use their speed to catch prey in the wild.
a) Cheetahs are the fastest land animals.
b) Cheetahs can run fast for short bursts.
a) Cheetahs are the fastest land animals.
Elephants are one of the largest land animals on Earth. They live in families and show emotions like joy and sadness. Elephants have been known to recognize themselves in mirrors, a sign of high intelligence.
a) Elephants live in families.
b) Elephants can recognize themselves in the mirrors.
b) Elephants can recognize themselves in mirrors.
What should you look for when trying to find the main idea of a paragraph?
a) The specific facts mentioned.
b) The overall point or message of the entire paragraph.
c) A random sentence in the middle of the paragraph.
d) An example that supports a fact.
b) The overall point or message of the entire paragraph.
Which of these best describes a supporting detail?
a) A short sentence at the beginning of a paragraph.
b) A fact or example that helps explain or prove the main idea.
c) The conclusion of the paragraph.
d) The paragraph’s main idea.
b) A fact or example that helps explain or prove the main idea.
"Many people enjoy gardening as a hobby. Gardening allows them to grow their own fruits and vegetables. It can be a relaxing activity and provides a sense of accomplishment."
a) Gardening is a relaxing activity.
b) Gardening is a popular hobby that offers many benefits.
b) Gardening is a popular hobby that offers many benefits.
What is a supporting detail for the main idea: "Trees are important for the environment"?
a) Trees provide food for some animals.
b) Trees are tall and green.
c) Trees are used to make paper.
d) Trees help clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide.
d) Trees help clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide.
Which sentence best describes how to find the main idea of a paragraph?
a) Look for the topic sentence, usually at the beginning or end of the paragraph.
b) Skip to the last sentence to find the main idea.
c) The main idea is always in the first sentence.
d) The main idea is a single fact about the
a) Look for the topic sentence, usually at the beginning or end of the paragraph.
Which of these sentences is a supporting detail for the main idea: "Eating healthy foods is important"?
a) Many people enjoy eating at restaurants.
b) Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and nutrients that help your body stay healthy.
c) There are many unhealthy foods available in stores.
d) Some
b) Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and nutrients that help your body stay healthy.
Many sports are played around the world, but soccer is the most popular. It is played by millions of people in different countries. The FIFA World Cup is one of the most-watched sporting events globally.
a) The FIFA World Cup is popular.
b) Soccer is the most popular sport in the world.
b) Soccer is the most popular sport in the world.
Which detail supports the main idea: "Solar energy is a renewable resource"?
a) Solar panels are used to collect sunlight.
b) Solar energy can be used to heat homes and generate electricity.
c) The sun provides an unlimited amount of energy.
d) Solar energy is becoming more popular.
c) The sun provides an unlimited amount of energy.
How do you find the main idea of a paragraph?
a) Read only the first sentence.
b) Look for repeated words or phrases.
c) Identify the central message the author is communicating throughout the paragraph.
d) Count how many facts are included in the paragraph.
c) Identify the central message the author is communicating throughout the paragraph.
What does a supporting detail do?
a) Restates the main idea of the paragraph.
b) Provides extra information to explain or support the main idea.
c) Makes the paragraph longer.
d) Introduces a new topic unrelated to the main idea.
b) Provides extra information to explain or support the main idea.
"Plastic pollution is a growing concern for our oceans. Millions of tons of plastic waste end up in the water each year, harming marine life and ecosystems. Efforts to reduce plastic use and improve recycling are crucial to protect our oceans."
a) Marine life is affected by plastic.
b) Plastic pollution is harmful to oceans.
c) Reducing plastic use is important for ocean health.
b) Plastic pollution is harmful to oceans.
"Dinosaurs lived millions of years ago, long before humans existed. They were reptiles that varied greatly in size, from small, chicken-sized dinosaurs to gigantic ones like the Tyrannosaurus Rex. Scientists study fossils to learn more about how they lived."
Which of the following is a supporting detail?
a) Dinosaurs were reptiles.
b) Some dinosaurs were as small as chickens.
c) Fossils help scientists study dinosaurs.
c) Fossils help scientists study dinosaurs.