Main Idea
What is a main idea?
A main idea is the most important part of a paragraph.
What is a supporting detail?
Supporting details are details that tell you more about the main idea.
Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful sights in North America. It is on the Niagara River about halfway between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Niagara Falls is on the American and Canadian border. The American Falls are 167 feet high. On the Canadian side, the Horseshoe Falls are 161 feet high. What is the main idea of the paragraph?
Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful sights in North America.
Kangaroos protect themselves in many ways. If a kangaroo senses danger, they will bang their tail on the ground to warn the others. What is the supporting detail?
If a kangaroo senses danger, they will bang their tail on the ground to warn the others.
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.
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.
Kangaroos eat grasses, leaves and roots. They only like grass that is green and close to the ground. They do not eat anything else. What is the main idea of the paragraph?
Kangaroos eat grasses, leaves, and roots.
Kangaroos are mostly nocturnal creatures.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.
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 those 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.
Kangaroos usually have only one baby at a time. Kangaroo babies are called joeys. What is the supporting detail?
Kangaroo babies are called joeys.