Identifying Central Idea and Supporting Details

Jake's family went on a camping trip. They went to a park by the ocean. They rode their bikes around the park and cooked their food over a fire outside. They saw some deer. They came home Sunday afternoon.

What is the central idea?

• They saw some deer

• Jake's family likes to camp

• Jake's family went on a camping trip

• They cooked their food outside

Porpoises live in the earth's oceans and sometimes in bays and rivers near oceans. Porpoises are mammals. Their babies get their food from their mother's body. These animals live in the water, but they must come up for air. Porpoises are very interesting animals.

What is the central idea?

• Porpoises live in the ocean

• Porpoises are mammals

• Porpoises must come up for air

• Porpoises are very interesting animals

Samantha, I can't eat or sleep when you are gone. I need to hear your scratchy voice and see your lovely toothless smile. I miss that special way you eat soup with your fingers. Please come home soon.

What is the central idea?

• Samantha has bad manners

• Samantha should see a dentist

• Someone misses Samantha

• Samantha is gross

Niagra Falls is one of the most beautiful sights in North America. It is on the Niagra River halfway between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Niagra Falls is located on the American and Canadian border. The American Falls is 167 feet high. On the Canadian side, the Horseshoe Falls is 161 feet high. 
Which of the following is NOT a supporting detail? 

• The American Falls is 167 feet high
• The Horseshoe Falls is 161 feet high
• Niagra Falls is one of the most beautiful sights in North America
• It is located between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie

The peregrine falcon is a beautiful wild bird. It is also one of the fastest. In 1978, the peregrine falcon was placed on the endangered species list. The main reason the peregrine falcon was dying out was the use of pesticides. 
Which of the following is NOT a supporting detail? 

• The peregrine falcon is one of the fastest wild birds
• It was placed on the endangered species list
• It was dying out because of pesticides
• The peregrine falcon is an amazing bird