Main Ideas and Supporting Details

​Main Idea and Supporting Details

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Everything we read has a main idea, or theme, and details.

The main idea is what the writing is mostly about. Details in the writing support the main idea.

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Multiple Choice

A main idea is...

• OPINION BASED evidence

• The main point or most important idea that the writer is communicating

• The key points, examples, evidence to support or elaborate on the main idea.

• A summary of a text  that only includes factual information.

Multiple Choice

Supporting Details are...

• OPINION BASED evidence

• The main point or most important idea that the writer is communicating

• The key points, examples, evidence to support or elaborate on the main idea.

• A summary of a text  that only includes factual information.

Multiple Choice

The main idea is always written or stated in a text.

• True
• False

In order to understand an informational text, it is best to see how the main idea is explained and supported by the details. Be sure to know if the details or ideas are related or relevant to the main idea.

Subject | Subject

Reorder

Reorder the following from the main idea to conclusion.

• Owning a cat can be a rewarding relationship.

• Cats can actually calm your nervous system.

• They are also very affectionate with their owners.

• Most cats love to curl up in your lap at the end of a long day.

• Any cat owner will tell you just how much their furry friend helps them to relax and unwind.

1

2

3

4

5

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Open Ended

Give one detail to support the main idea:

Being a graduating student is challenging.

Multiple Choice

The ice cream cone was invented in 1904. It all started at the St. Louis World's fair when an ice cream vendor ran out of dishes for his ice cream. A man named Ernest Hamwi was selling waffles in the booth next to him. He helped his neighbor out by making cone-shaped waffles to hold the ice cream. The rest is history.

What is the main idea?

• Ernest Hamwi is important to history.

• Ice cream is a very popular treat.

• The ice cream cone was invented in 1904.

• The World Fair in St. Louis ran out of ice cream.

Multiple Choice

4. Which of the following is a supporting detail of this paragraph?
Robots are being used in sumo wrestling contests. Sumo wrestling is a sport that started in Japan. It takes place in a ring. Two players try to score points by holding each other down or pushing each other out of the ring. Robot sumo uses robots instead of humans. The robot that scores the most points wins.

• Robots are being used in sumo wrestling contests
• Robots sumo contests are better than human sumo contests.
• Robot sumo uses robots instead of humans.
• Watching robot sumo is boring.

Multiple Choice

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!

What is the main idea?

• Sometimes people feel sad

• You should do good things for others

• We're not always happy.

• There are many ways to make yourself feel better.

Multiple Choice

What is one supporting detail from the text?
Mother gorillas do a lot for their babies. They nurse their babies. They protect them from danger. And they teach the tiny gorillas how to get along with other gorillas.

• Mother gorillas do a lot for their babies.
• They teach the tiny gorillas how to get along with other gorillas.
• Baby gorillas need their mothers a lot.
• Mother gorillas prefer to keep their babies safe.

Multiple Choice

Which detail is not relevant or does not support the main idea?

Phishing is a type of attack that happens over the Internet.

• Users receive an email or text message that seems like it came from a trusted source.

• The attackers copy trusted companies.

• When users login or provide sensitive information, the attackers steal this data.

• It's wise not to talk to anyone using any applications