Main Idea
Supporting Details
Is this a Main Idea or Supporting Detail?
What type of informational text is this?
Informational Text Practice
100
What is a main idea?
A main idea is the most important part of a paragraph.
100
What is a supporting detail?
Supporting details are details that tell you more about the main idea.
100
Kangaroos usually live in family groups called mobs.
Main Idea
100

The spot was perfect. Mature, leafy trees provided shade during the hottest hours of the day. Behind the campsite and just down the bank, a brook filled with trout gurgled happily. The ground under the tent was sandy but firm, and the path to the water source was wide and well cleared. It was, indeed, the perfect campsite.

Descriptive Text

100

List 3 Descriptive Supporting Details from this passage: The heat on the platform was nearly stifling. Passengers stood as far apart as they could and well behind the yellow caution line. A low rumble emitted from the tunnel and the people on the platform turned in the direction of the noise. The subway car arrived and the doors slid open. Waiting passengers stood aside to let people out, then they quickly piled into the cars, jostling for the few available seats. Despite the crowd, the car was silent except for the grinding sound of the car on the tracks as it departed the platforms. 

Answers may vary

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
My house is strong.
Main Idea
200

Snow and rain are the two most common types of precipitation in this area. Rain can happen throughout the year whenever there is a sustained temperature above freezing. When the temperature drops below freezing, snowfall generally occurs. Extensive rainfall can lead to flooding, road damage, and weakened root systems in trees that results in fallen trees and property damage. Extensive snowfall leads to dangerous travel conditions, white-outs (which limit visibility), and the need for homeowners to remove snow, which may be dangerous for those with physical disabilities.

Compare and Contrast

200

Give two similarities and two differences listed in this Compare and Contrast passage: Dogs and cats are both popular pets in the United States. Because both dogs and cats have many different breeds, pet owners have many options from which to chose. However, there are many other factors to consider when choosing a cat or dog. People who want a pet that's more suited to traveling and doing activities with them may be better off choosing a dog, which are generally more active and social. However, if a person wants a pet who will be better staying inside with them for extended periods, a cat may be a better choice because they can be trained to use a litter box and do not have to be walked.

Answers may vary but should include approximately:

1. Dogs and cats are popular pets.

2. Both have many different breeds.

3. Dogs are better pets for active and/or social activities.

4. Cats are better for staying indoors for longer amounts of time. 

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
Dolphins are smart animals.
Main Idea
300

In 1996, a dangerous strain of E. coli bacterium killed a toddler and sickened over 50 people. An extensive investigation revealed that all of those who had become ill had ingested Odwalla fruit juice. At the time, Odwalla sold unpasteurized fruit juices despite the fact that pasteurization had long been standard in the juice industry. Odwalla believed that the pasteurization process diminished the flavor and destroyed many nutrients in the fruit juice.

Problem and Solution

300

Read the passage and put these steps in order:

When cooking, it is important to read the entire recipe first. Doing so will help you understand every step you must take to complete the recipe. Then, gather your ingredients. Before you begin cooking, go ahead and measure and/or chop your ingredients. This will help you focus on cooking later on instead of being distracted by the little details. Finally, make sure your cooking temperatures match the recipe. If they do not match, your food will not cook correctly. 

1. Finally, make sure your cooking temperatures match the recipe.

2. When cooking, it is important to read the entire recipe first.

3. Before you begin cooking, go ahead and measure and/or chop your ingredients.

4. Then, gather your ingredients.

Correct order:

1. When cooking, it is important to read the entire recipe first.

2. Then, gather your ingredients.

3. Before you begin cooking, go ahead and measure and/or chop your ingredients.

4. Finally, make sure your cooking temperatures match the recipe.

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 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
The Willis Tower is the tallest building in Chicago.
Main idea
400

If you love to cook and have an appreciation for fine food, you might consider a career as a chef. A good first step in such a career is professional training. Research culinary schools in your area. Before visiting schools, request information from several and compare the programs. Ask to speak with graduates or for references from those who have attended. Becoming a chef requires a lot of practice, so identify an opportunity to be an intern or apprentice for an established chef as part of your formal education. Use the time to learn about the culture of a fine restaurant and all of the informal responsibilities of a chef. Begin your career working for a more experienced chef. Let go of the expectation that you will begin by starting your own restaurant because that is seldom the case. After several years of experience, you might consider becoming the head chef of a restaurant or starting your own restaurant.

Order and Sequence or Chronological Order

400

List the event, one cause, and two effects in the passage: 

In the Middle Ages, half the population of Europe was killed by the Bubonic Plague. This was initially devastating because many people lost their entire families, and entire villages were wiped out. This also resulted in a lack of workers. Because there was a lack of workers, serfs were able to negotiate higher pay, leading to the end of the feudal system. 

Possible Answers:

1.Event: The Bubonic Plague

2. Cause: Half the population was killed.

3. Effects: People lost their families. Entire towns were wiped out. There was a lack of workers, so people were able to negotiate higher wages. The feudal system ended. 

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
These mobs can be as large as 100 kangaroos.
Supporting Detail
500

In 1996, a dangerous strain of E. coli bacterium killed a toddler and sickened over 50 people. An extensive investigation revealed that all of those who had become ill had ingested Odwalla fruit juice. At the time, Odwalla sold unpasteurized fruit juices despite the fact that pasteurization had long been standard in the juice industry. Odwalla believed that the pasteurization process diminished the flavor and destroyed many nutrients in the fruit juice.

Cause and Effect

500

List the problem and ALL solutions given in this passage: In a recent survey, 80% of high school seniors admitted that they cheated at some point in their school careers. Cheating is a serious problem that undermines the quality of everyone’s education. What can teachers and parents do to stop or at least reduce cheating? It is much easier to cheat on multiple choice tests or quizzes that are used year after year. Teachers should provide more opportunities for students to show their understanding through longer, project-based assignments. Some students admit to having parents or older siblings write essays for them. To eliminate this problem, students should be required to write essays that count as tests in class rather than at home. In addition, group projects require students to work together. Everyone shares a single grade, so it is in the best interest of each student to participate in the work, and it is impossible for students to copy from one another. 

Answers may vary:

1. Problem: Cheating

2. Solutions: Longer, problem based assignments. In-class essays. More group projects.