Main Idea
Supporting Details
From the Book
100
What is a main idea?
A main idea is the most important part of a text.
100
What is a key detail?
A key detail is information that helps support the main idea.
100
In the text "Lewis and Clark's Companion" on p. 10, what is ONE key detail that supports the main idea that Lewis and Clark's dog, Seaman, protected the explorers?
Seaman barked at a grizzly bear until it ran away. Seaman made sure the explorers had food by hunting for squirrels every day.
200
Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful sights in North America. It is on the Niagra River about halfway between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Niagara Falls is on the American and Canadian border. The American Falls is 167 feet high.On the Canadian side, the Horseshoe Falls is 161 feet high.What is the main idea of the paragraph?
Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful sights in North America.
200
Kangaroos protect themselves in many ways. If a kangaroo senses danger, they will bang their tail on the ground to warn the others. A new born joey is only the size of your thumb.What is the supporting detail?
If a kangaroo senses danger, they will bang their tail on the ground to warn the others.
200
In the text "The Snake and the Charmer" on p. 12, what is the main idea of the passage?
A cobra does not sway to the flute music.
300
The Statue of Liberty is visited by thousands of people every year. The Statue of Liberty is a 151 foot statue of a woman holding a book and a torch. It is located on an island in New York Harbor. It was a gift of friendship from the people of France.It has become a universal symbol of freedom.What is the main idea of the paragraph?
The Statue of Liberty is visited by thousands of people every year.
300
Kangaroos are strange looking animals. Some kangaroos act as guards to protect the mob. They have small front legs and huge hind legs with great big feet.What is the supporting detail in the paragraph?
They have small front legs and huge hind legs with great big feet.
300
In the passage "The Snake and the Charmer" on p. 12, what is ONE key detail that supports the main idea?
The cobra has no ears and is deaf. The cobra tries to get into position to strike, but the flute keeps moving. The cobra sways to the motion of the flute as the snake charmer moves back and forth.
400
Kangaroos eat grasses, leaves and roots. The joey lives in the mother's pouch for 9 months.They only like grass that is green and close to the ground.What is the main idea of the paragraph?
Kangaroos eat many kinds of food. OR Kangaroos eat grasses, leaves, and roots.
400
Kangaroos are mostly night time creatures. Kangaroos have a long powerful tail.They sleep during the day under a shady tree or bush.What is the supporting detail in the paragraph?
They sleep during the day under a shady tree or bush.
400
In the passage "Lending An Ear" on p. 14, what is the main idea of the text?
A hearing dog helps its owner in many ways.
500
The Erie Canal changed the way people moved goods and supplies in the mid 1800's.The 363 mile canal connected Albany, New York to Lake Erie in Buffalo for the first time. When the canal opened in 1825, building supplies and goods could be transported quickly and cheaply across New York State. Canal boats pulled by mules carried people and supplies the 363 miles.What is the main idea of the paragraph?
The Erie Canal changed the way people moved goods and supplies in the mid 1800's.
500
Kangaroos usually have only one baby at a time. Kangaroo babies are called joeys. Kangaroos eat grass and leaves.What is the supporting detail?
Kangaroo babies are called joeys.
500
In the passage "Flying With a Tiger" on p. 18-20, what is the main idea of the passage?
Transporting animals safely from zoo to zoo must be done carefully so that the animals are kept healthy and safe.
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