Controlling Idea and Key Details

Mark wanted to be a great skater. But he didn't want to spend the hours practicing. He wished he could just do the tricks easily. Mark's dream was to have everyone stop and stare when he entered the skate park. He  wanted them to say, "Mark is the best skater in the whole world."
What is the main idea?

• Mark wants everyone to think he's a great skater without doing the hard work.
• Mark practices very hard to become a great skater.
• Mark is the best skater at the park.
• Mark wants to learn how to skate so he can compete.

The main idea is supported by what?

• concluding sentences
• details
• a chair

Read the following details and determine the main idea of the words.
-theater
-candy
-popcorn
-dark

• Playing at the park.
• Going to school.
• Playing a soccer game.
• Going to the movies.

A bat can fly at night or even with its eyes closed.  But if you cover its ears, it can't fly very well.  Bats make sounds that people can't hear.  The bats find their way by listening to these sounds as they echo off things.  Bats even locate insects to eat by following the sounds that bounce off the bugs.  People use their eyes, but bats use their ears to know where they're going.  This paragraph mainly tells:

• how bats use sound
• what things bats often eat as food
• how bats fly toward people
• how people can hear the sounds of bats

*Hawaii is a state made up of several islands.

*Millions of people from all over visit Hawaii every year.

*The beautiful turquoise waters are very appealing.

*Actually, many people go to Hawaii for shopping, too!

What is the main idea that ties these details together?

• Hawaii is a beautiful island.

• Many people each year enjoy visiting Hawaii.

• Most people go to Hawaii to go surfing.

• Many people move to Hawaii because it is so pretty.

*Cats are easy to care for and require very little space.

*Dogs need outdoor exercise but can live in apartments.

*Hamster are are friendly and fun for young children.

*Even snakes can be kept in indoors and easily cared for.

What is the main idea that ties these details together?

• Some animals do not make good pets.

• There are all kinds of animals in the world.

• Animals require lots of food, water, and exercise.

• There are lots of animals that would make good pets.

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

Which supporting detail best supports this topic sentence?
Dora the Explorer is an educational show for kids.

• She has a really cute monkey named Boots.
• Dora's purple backpack holds all of her tools.
• Dora helps teach kids Spanish words.
• She usually stops Swiper from swiping. 

Select the supporting detail that doesn't fit.
Topic Sentence: There are many reasons people find clowns scary.

• Their face paint hides their true identity. 
• People often think of the creepy clowns they've seen on movies such as "It."
• There have been some bad clowns in the news lately.
• Clowns makes fun balloon animals. 

Select the best topic sentence for the paragraph.
Most people already know they should eat fruits and vegetables to stay healthy. It is also important to get exercise. It is equally important to get enough sleep at night.

• Being healthy requires a lot of work.
• There are many things you should do to stay healthy.
• Eating right is the best way to stay healthy.
• It is good to be healthy.