Informal Assessment: Main Idea and Supporting Details

What is the main idea of this passage? Choose the best answer.

• Europa is the coldest moon in the solar system.

• Scientists believe life might exist in Europa’s underground ocean.

• Volcanoes on Earth are dangerous and powerful.

• The sun does not shine on Europa’s surface.

Which detail best supports the main idea?

• Europa is one of Jupiter’s moons.

• Europa’s ocean may be warmed by hydrothermal vents.

• The sun cannot reach Europa’s surface.

• Volcanoes are found on other planets, too.

What do hydrothermal vents do on Europa (according to the text)?

• Break the ice covering Europa’s surface.

• Provide sunlight to organisms.

• Heat the ocean beneath the ice.

• Make the moon spin faster.

Why do scientists think life might exist on Europa?

• It has thick clouds like Earth.

• Europa has many volcanoes.

• There is oxygen on its surface.

• It has liquid water, like Earth’s oceans where life began.

Which of these sentences is a key detail and NOT the main idea?

• Europa may have life in its oceans.

• Scientists are studying Jupiter’s moon.

• Heat from vents might allow life to survive.

• Life began in Earth's oceans.

In your own words, explain how the details in the passage support the idea that life might exist on Europa.

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