Main Idea
What is a main idea?
A main idea is the most important part of a paragraph; what the author wants you to know about the topic; the "big idea" of the passage
What is a supporting detail?
Supporting details are details that tell you more about the main idea.
Homeless people have many problems. During the winter, it is difficult for them to stay warm. In the summer, it gets too hot. However, the most distressing aspect of homelessness is the lack of privacy.
Supporting Detail
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 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.
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.
Homeless people have many problems. During the winter, it is difficult for them to stay warm. In the summer, it gets too hot. However, the most distressing aspect of homelessness is the lack of privacy.
Main Idea
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.
The students had fun on their field trip. They visited Six Flags. They rode the Goliath, Superman and Acrophobia. After they finished riding the rollercoasters, they went to Piedmont Park and had a picnic.
Main Idea
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.
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.
The students had fun on their field trip. They visited Six Flags. They rode the Goliath, Superman and Acrophobia. After they finished riding the rollercoasters, they went to Piedmont Park and had a picnic.
Supporting Detail
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.
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.
Neighborhood watch programs are good for everyone. One reason for this is that neighborhood watches unite neighbors in a common goal. Neighbors work together to protect each other. One family’s security becomes everyone’s concern. Another reason is that neighborhood watches reduce crime in a couple of ways. Posted signs act as deterrents to criminals. Neighbors in these areas are more likely to report any suspicious persons or activities. And finally, watch programs keep neighbors alert. Because neighbors meet regularly, everyone is more aware of events, rules, or changes in the community.
Supporting Detail