Main Idea #1
What are supporting details?
Supporting details are sentences that support the main idea of a paragraph or text.
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!
In this paragraph, the author describes things you can do when you are sad and how these things can help.
Which supporting detail does NOT belong?
Bears eat fish. Bears eat berries. Bears are scary animals. Bears eat insects
Bears are scary animals
The newlyweds agreed to be very frugal in their shopping because they wanted to save enough money to buy a house.
A) economical
B) wasteful
C) interested
A) economical
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.
In this paragraph, the author describes the tallest tree in the world and how people have tried to preserve it.
Which supporting detail does NOT go 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. Drones take care of the hive and the bee eggs
Bees are black and yellow
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.
In this paragraph, the author describes hurricanes and how dangerous they are.
Which supporting detail does NOT belong?
In December, some people in America celebrate holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza. In February, some people celebrate Valentine's Day. In the Summer, people celebrate the 4th of July. Fall is the best season ever.
Fall is the best season ever
Although Alex usually looks unkempt, he had a very neat appearance at his job interview.
A) orderly
B) handsome
C) messy
C) messy
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.
In this paragraph, the author describes river otters and how they live.
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
What is the main idea of the following paragraph?
Virginia Hamilton started writing at a young age. People in her family were great storytellers. She loved to listen to their tales about her African American heritage. When she grew up, Hamilton brought the tales to life in stories. Now she is a famous writer of books for children.
In this paragraph, the author describes Virginia Hamilton and how she became a writer.
Which supporting detail does NOT belong?
Books can be about countries and other cultures. Books are made with paper made from wood. Books can be make believe like a fairy tale. Some books are about famous people and the important things they have done.
Books are made with paper made from wood.
Expecting that his license would be renewed, the pilot was surprised when it was revoked instead.
A) example
B) synonym
C) antonym
C) antonym
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!
In this paragraph, the author describes homemade pizza and how it's made.
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.
What is the main idea of the paragraph?
The peanut is a humble plant with hundreds of functions. Most peanuts are roasted in their shells and lightly salted. About half the peanuts eaten in the United States are ground into a thick paste called peanut butter. The rich oil made from peanuts is good for frying foods and is used for oiling machines and making soaps and paint. Even peanut shells are used to make plastics and to fertilize soil.
In this paragraph, the author describes peanuts and how they are used in a variety of ways.
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 need lots of love and attention
Pets make you happy
I'm looking for a unique gift for my boyfriend; he appreciates unusual things.
A) example
B) synonym
C) antonym / contras
B) synonym
What is the main idea of the paragraph?
Did you know that giraffes are the tallest animals in the world? They 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.
In this paragraph, the author describes giraffes and how unique they are.
Which supporting detail does NOT go with the main idea of "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
What is the main idea of the paragraph?
Computers have changed quite a bit through the years. An early model could add 18 million numbers per hour. One person would have needed many years to do the same job. A modern computer can add 1 1/2 trillion numbers in less than three hours.
In this paragraph, the author describes computers and how they have changed over the years.
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. Police officers patrol the streets. Zookeepers have a fun job.
Zookeepers have a fun job
The debris on the stadium floor included numerous paper cups, ticket stubs, and cigarette butts.
A) products
B) papers
C) trash
C) trash