Main Idea
Supporting Details
Main Idea
Supporting Details
100
What is the definition of main idea?
Main idea tells us what the paragraph or story is mostly about.
100
What are supporting details?
Supporting details describe the main idea of a paragraph or text.
100

What is the main idea of the following paragraph? 


If you are feeling sad, you can make yourself feel better by doing a few simple things. You can take a walk (or get another form of exercise), you can talk to a friend, or you can write down your feelings. Writing down the good things in your life will help too. Doing something good for someone else will also help you feel better. If you still feel a little sad, act happy. It works like magic to make you feel better!

There are many ways to make yourself feel better when you are sad.

100

Which supporting detail does NOT belong? 

-Bears eat fish 

-Bears eat berries 

-Bears are scary animals 

-Bears eat insects

-Bears are scary animals

200

What is the main idea of this paragraph.


The tallest tree in the world is a giant redwood located in Humboldt Redwoods State Park in Northern California. This tree is 380 feet (116 m) tall. That's more than twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty! Only a few people know exactly where this tree is. The people who discovered it have kept it a secret so that people will not damage it.

The tallest tree in the world is a giant redwood. 
200

Which supporting detail does not go along with the main idea of the jobs of bees.

-Bees are black and yellow. 

-Queen bees run the hive. 

-Worker bees work outside of the hive. 


Bees are black and yellow

200

What is the main idea of the following paragraph?

 Hurricanes are large, intense storms that begin over the ocean, where they gather heat and energy from the water. Hurricanes move slowly toward land, usually moving 10-20 miles per hour for more than one week. The most dangerous part of the hurricane is the storm surge, when it reaches land and causes flooding. Wind and waves also contribute to the damage caused by these surges.

Hurricanes are very dangerous storms.

200

Which supporting detail does NOT belong? 

-In December, people celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, and other celebrations 

-In February, people celebrate Valentine's Day 

-My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving 

-People celebrate the Fourth of July in the summer

My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving.

300

What is the main idea of the paragraph?

Giant river otters live in South America. Families of giant river otters live in dens that they dig into the banks of rivers and lakes. Mother river otters give birth to their babies in their dens. Baby river otters are called cubs. Cubs are born blind and helpless. They do not leave the den until they are about two months old.

Facts about giant river otters.

300

Which supporting detail does NOT go with the main idea of how to make a pizza? 

-Put the pizza in the oven for 20 minutes 

-Add tomato sauce, cheese, and other toppings to the dough 

-Pizza is a type of Italian food 

-Slice the pizza into 8 piece and enjoy!

-Pizza is a type of Italian food

300

What is the main idea of the following paragraph? 

I can't wait until this weekend! We’re going to my grandparents’ house and my entire family will be there. I will spend most of my time playing games with my cousins. We always have such a good time together! The day goes by so fast, and by the end we are all exhausted... but we still don’t want to leave! 

 A. Weekends are times to travel. 

B. The writer enjoys spending time with family. 

C. The writer’s grandparents live far away.

The answer is B. The writer enjoys spending time with family.

300

Which supporting detail does NOT belong? 

-Books can be about countries and other cultures 

-Books are fun to read 

-Books can be make believe like a fairy tale 

-Some books are about famous people and the important things they have done.

Books are fun to read

400

What is the main idea of the paragraph?


Homemade pizza is delicious! First, make the dough from flour, water, and yeast. After that, begin making the tomato sauce. Next, add any vegetables you like. Then, bake it in the oven. After a short time, the kitchen begins to smell delicious. Soon, it’s ready to eat!

Steps to make a pizza

400

Which supporting detail does NOT go with the main idea of giraffes are unique animals?

-Giraffes are the tallest mammal in the world. 

-Giraffes sleep for only 20 minutes a day to stay alert for predators. 

-Lions live near giraffes 

-Giraffes coat varies in color from white to nearly black, depending on what they eat and where they live.

Lions live near giraffes.

400

I have a dog whose name is Paco. He is almost 10 years old. Paco is very loveable with a brown face and short black fur. He is one of my best friends. He plays with me, sleeps with me, and goes on walks with me. I am so glad to have him around. I love him. 

A. The dog’s name is Paco. 

B. Everyone should have a dog. 

C. The writer's dog is an important part of his life.

The answer is C. The writer's dog is an important part of his life.

400

Which supporting detail does NOT belong? 

-Pets are a big responsibility. 

-Pets need to be fed every single day 

-Pets make you happy 

-Pets should be taken outside to exercise.

-Pets make you happy

500

What is the main idea of the paragraph?

Did you know that giraffes are the tallest animals in the world? Giraffes are unique in other ways, too. For one thing, they sleep only about 20 minutes each day, and usually not more than five minutes at a time. (They have to remain alert for predators.) Also, every giraffe’s coat is unique, and varies in color from white to nearly black, depending on what they eat and where they live.

Giraffes are unique animals.

500

Which supporting detail does NOT go with the main idea that there are many different ways to make yourself feel better when you are sad? 

-You can exercise or go for a walk 

-You can draw a picture 

-You can write a letter to a friend or write in a journal 

-You should think of a sad movie

You should think of a sad movie

500

Eric gripped the bat in his hands. His palms were sweaty but he took a deep breath as he stepped up to the plate. He had to score a run or his team would lose the game. When the pitcher threw a fastball, Eric’s reflexes took over and he heard the “Crack!” of the bat hitting the ball. His heart raced with excitement as he ran to first base. He was safe! 

A. Eric plays baseball. 

B. How to play baseball. 

C. Eric overcomes his nerves and makes it to first base.

The main idea is C. Eric overcomes his nerves and makes it to first base.

500

Which supporting detail does NOT belong with the main idea of there are many helpers in the community? 

-Firefighters help keep people safe 

-Teachers help students learn 

-Mail carriers deliver packages and mail 

-Zookeepers have a fun job

-Zookeepers have a fun job

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