Main Idea
Supporting Details
main idea, details, non supporting details
Review
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

Owls are fascinating creatures that have adapted in many ways to be skilled hunters. They have large eyes that help them see well at night, which is when they do most of their hunting. Owls also have silent wings, which allow them to sneak up on their prey without being heard. Their sharp talons grab and hold onto small animals like mice and rabbits. Some owls can even turn their heads nearly all the way around to locate their prey. In the wild, owls can live for up to 10 years, but they are also known to be important to local ecosystems by controlling the population of rodents. Many people enjoy watching owls in their natural habitats, especially at night when the birds are most active.

What is the main idea?

Owls are fascinating creatures that have adapted in many ways to be skilled hunters.

100

What is the topic of a passage?

The person, place, thing, or idea of a passage.

200

Niagara Falls about halfway between Lake Ontario and lake Eerie. 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.

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 newborn 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

Owls are fascinating creatures that have adapted in many ways to be skilled hunters. They have large eyes that help them see well at night, which is when they do most of their hunting. Owls also have silent wings, which allow them to sneak up on their prey without being heard. Their sharp talons grab and hold onto small animals like mice and rabbits. Some owls can even turn their heads nearly all the way around to locate their prey. In the wild, owls can live for up to 10 years, but they are also known to be important to local ecosystems by controlling the population of rodents. Many people enjoy watching owls in their natural habitats, especially at night when the birds are most active.

What is a detail that does not support the main idea of the passage?

Owls live up to 10 years in the wild.

OR

People enjoy watching owls at night.

200

Why are supporting details important in a passage?

They provide the evidence, examples and support  of the main idea.

300

People traveling by boat into New York Harbor often notice a tall green statue holding a torch. This statue was given to the United States by France many years ago. Over time, it has become a place that visitors enjoy exploring and learning about. Many people connect the statue with ideas of hope and new beginnings.

What is the main idea of the paragraph?

Many people connect the statue with ideas of hope and new beginnings.

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

Owls are fascinating creatures that have adapted in many ways to be skilled hunters. They have large eyes that help them see well at night, which is when they do most of their hunting. Owls also have silent wings, which allow them to sneak up on their prey without being heard. Their sharp talons grab and hold onto small animals like mice and rabbits. Some owls can even turn their heads nearly all the way around to locate their prey. In the wild, owls can live for up to 10 years, but they are also known to be important to local ecosystems by controlling the population of rodents. Many people enjoy watching owls in their natural habitats, especially at night when the birds are most active.

What are 3 supporting details of the main idea?

  • Owls have large eyes that help them see well at night.

  • Their silent wings allow them to sneak up on prey.

  • Sharp talons help them catch small animals like mice and rabbits.

  • Some owls can turn their heads nearly all the way around to locate prey.

  • Owls help control the rodent population in ecosystems.

300

What is the main idea of a passage?

The main idea is that the passage is mostly about. The most important point the author is trying to make.

400

Kangaroos are known for their powerful hind legs, which they use to hop great distances. Their long, muscular tails help them stay balanced while hopping. Baby kangaroos, called joeys, grow inside their mother's pouch, where they stay safe and warm. Kangaroos are unique animals found mostly in Australia, where they’ve adapted to the dry, open land.

Kangaroos are unique animals found mostly in Australia, where they’ve adapted to the dry, open land.

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

Using strong teeth, beavers cut down trees to build dams across rivers and streams. These dams slow the water and create ponds where beavers can live safely. The ponds also provide homes for fish, birds, and other animals. Beavers are animals that change their environment in important ways.Beavers have thick fur that helps keep them warm in cold water. Sometimes people see beavers working at night because they are most active after sunset.

What is the main idea of the passage?

Beavers change their environment in important ways.


400

Which would be a good title for the following paragraph?

The little turtle wanted to see what was beyond the pond where he lived. One sunny morning, he packed his leaf bag and slowly started his journey. Along the way, he met new friends and learned that being brave doesn’t mean being fast—it means trying something new.

Why Turtles are Cute

Turtle's Big Adventure

How to Take Care of Your New Pet Turtle

Turtle's Big Adventure

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

Using strong teeth, beavers cut down trees to build dams across rivers and streams. These dams slow the water and create ponds where beavers can live safely. The ponds also provide homes for fish, birds, and other animals. Beavers are animals that change their environment in important ways.Beavers have thick fur that helps keep them warm in cold water. Sometimes people see beavers working at night because they are most active after sunset.

What are 2 details that do NOT support the main idea?

  • Beavers have thick fur to keep warm.

  • Beavers are often active at night.

500

What is the topic of the passage?

Eagles are large birds of prey known for their sharp eyes and strong wings. They can see small animals from far away while flying high in the sky. Eagles build big nests called eyries, usually at the top of tall trees or cliffs. They eat fish, small mammals, and other birds. Many people admire eagles because they are strong, fast, and good hunters.

Acceptable answers:

Eagles, bald eagles, birds of prey, animals that hunt