Main Idea and Supporting Detail

Which sentence is a supporting detail that you should get enough sleep?

• Seven to nine hours keeps you refreshed the next day.

• Dark rooms are best for sleeping.

• Many people sleep later on the weekends.

• Caffeine keeps some people awake at night.

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 sumo contests are better than human sumo contests.

• Robots are being used in sumo wrestling contests

• Robot sumo uses robots instead of humans.

• Watching robot sumo is boring.

Which of the following is NOT a supporting detail?

• The American Falls is 167 feet high

• Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful sights in North America

• It is located between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie

• The Horseshoe Falls is 161 feet high

Which sentence supports the idea that Camp David is secure?

• It was established by President Roosevelt.

• Camp David is in a heavily wooded area.

• U.S. Marines patrol the surrounding area.

• Camp David is very close to Washington, D.C.

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.

I can't wait until this weekend! We’re going to my grandparents’ house, and my entire family will be there. I will spend most of my time playing games with my cousins. We always have such a good time together! The day goes by so fast, and by the end, we are all exhausted. However, we still don’t want to leave!
What is the main idea?

• Weekends are times to travel.

• The author enjoys spending time with her family.

• The author's grandparents live far away.

• The author is sad to leave her cousins.

I can't wait until this weekend! We’re going to my grandparents’ house, and my entire family will be there. I will spend most of my time playing games with my cousins. We always have such a good time together! The day goes by so fast, and by the end, we are all exhausted. However, we still don’t want to leave!
What would be the best supporting detail to add?

• We always have a large, yummy meal that everyone helps cook.

• The author enjoys spending time with her family.

• Weekends are a good time to travel.

• The author is sad to leave her cousins.

Jon held the ball in his hands.  He bounced it slowly on the ground.  Once. Twice. He crouched low and then jumped.  The ball flew into the air.  Up, up, up, it went.  Then down, down, into the basket.  “Yes!” he yelled.  “Nothing but net!”
What is the main idea?

• How to throw a basketball

• Jon can jump

• Jon crouches low.

• Jon makes a basket.

Seated on his throne, King Midas wore a golden crown. He had golden rings on each finger and held a golden scepter. His vest was embroidered with golden thread and even his shoes had golden ornaments. He had a golden box filled with gold coins. He named his daughter Marigold.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?

• King Midas loved gold.

• King Midas sold lots of gold.

• King Midas had a heart of gold.

• King Midas hated gold.

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.