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Topic, Main Idea, and Supporting Details Quiz Review

Total questions: 63

Worksheet time: 3hrs 53mins

Name
Class
Date
1.
"Animals" is a main idea.
a)
True
b)
False
2.
"Renewable energy" is a topic.
a)
True
b)
False
3.
"NEOM is a big new project in Saudi Arabia." This is an example of:
a)
A topic
b)
A main idea
c)
A theme
4.
Which is an example of a topic?
a)
Electric cars
b)
Electric cars save energy because they don't use gas.
5.
What is an example of a main idea?
a)
Renewable energy is helping many people get access to electricity.
b)
Electricity
c)
Solar power
d)
Power for all
6.
How should a main idea be written?
a)
As a phrase
b)
As a complete sentence
c)
As a title
d)
As a picture
7.
What could be a good supporting detail for the following main idea: "NEOM is a big new project in Saudi Arabia."
a)
NEOM is cool.
b)
Electric cars save energy.
c)
NEOM will cost $500 billion dollars.
d)
Saudi Arabia does many big project.
8.
What could be a good supporting detail for the following main idea: "Renewable energy is providing electricity to many people around the world who didn't have it before."
a)
A village in Africa got a solar panel from a German company, and now they have electricity 24 hours a day.
b)
Electric cars are good for the environment.
c)
Saudi Arabia has a lot of oil.
d)
Many people around the world like big cars.
9.
Informational text tells a story.
a)
True
b)
False
10.
In an essay, details serve a similar function to: 
a)
An instructional manual for putting together furniture
b)
The characters in a work of fiction
c)
Blank pages in a notebook
d)
The evidence an attorney needs to convict a criminal
11.
If you read an essay explaining why eating healthy foods is good for you, what would the topic be?
a)
Healthy foods include fruit, vegetables, and lean protein
b)
Healthy foods
c)
Eating healthy foods is good for you
d)
Eating is necessary to sustain life
12.

What are supporting details?

a)

Useless

b)

Details from the text that tell you how the character is feeling

c)

Details about the text that tell you about the setting

d)

Details from the text that develop the main idea

13.
Which of the following is FALSE about the main idea? 
a)
The main idea is always the first sentence of every paragraph.
b)
It is the primary point the author is trying to make.
c)
To discover it, ask yourself what is being said about the topic.
d)
The author can locate the main idea within different places in a paragraph.
14.
What is text evidence? 
a)
Lines copied and pasted from the text.
b)
Evidence that the author you're being forced to read is crazy.
c)
A summary of the text.
d)
A direct quote from a text that you can use to support your idea.
15.

A statement that tells what a passage is mostly about -

a)

Topic

b)

Main idea

c)

Claim

d)

Transitional sentence

16.

Mount Rushmore is a huge carving in a stone cliff. The carving shows the faces of four U.S. presidents. They are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Mount Rushmore is in South Dakota. Each year many people visit this amazing sight.

What is the main idea?

a)

what Mount Rushmore is

b)

where Mount Rushmore is

c)

the names of the presidents

17.

Mount Rushmore is a huge carving in a stone cliff. The carving shows the faces of four U.S. presidents. They are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Mount Rushmore is in South Dakota. Each year many people visit this amazing sight.

What is a detail that tells about the main idea?

a)

how the four presidents were chosen

b)

why Mount Rushmore is in South Dakota

c)

which presidents are at Mount Rushmore

18.

Mount Rushmore is a huge carving in a stone cliff. The carving shows the faces of four U.S. presidents. They are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Mount Rushmore is in South Dakota. Each year many people visit this amazing sight.

The best title for this paragraph would be?

a)

The Face of Washington

b)

Mount Rushmore Carvings

c)

Visiting South Dakota

19.

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?

a)

Sometimes people feel sad.

b)

You should do good things for others.

c)

We're not always happy.

d)

There are many ways to make yourself feel better.

20.

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?

a)

Mark wants everyone to think he's a great skater without doing the hard work.

b)

Mark practices very hard to become a great skater.

c)

Mark is the best skater at the park.

d)

Mark wants to learn how to skate so he can compete.

21.

Tom started to reel in his line. The fish tugged and pulled hard. Judging by the weight of his catch, this fish could feed his family for three days. Tom struggled to stay in the boat and not be pulled over the side. Finally his catch came into view. He had snagged a snapping turtle!

What is the main idea?

a)

Tom finds enough food for his family.

b)

Tom gets pulled out of his boat by a huge fish.

c)

Tom didn't catch anything.

d)

Tom catches a snapping turtle while fishing.

22.

That roller coaster is dangerous.

The best supporting details for the above topic sentence is ...

a)

It is slower than any other roller coaster in the state. The curves of its track are so wide and the hills are so shallow that a ride on this roller coaster seems like a drive in the country. People don’t scream when they ride it. Instead, they enjoy the view from above the park.

b)

It is known as one of the best roller coasters in the country. People will wait in lines for hours just to try it. At certain points it reaches the same speeds as cars do on highways. The track is so tall and long that you can see it miles away.

c)

Last year, it broke down several times, leaving people stranded in their cars sixty feet off the ground. In most cars, the seat belts are torn and don’t always buckle properly. One area of the track shakes and makes a strange grinding sound whenever a car passes over it.

23.

Margo is a very rude worker.

The best supporting details for the above topic sentence are ...

a)

She can barely stay awake while at work. Almost every day, she arrives at the store a few minutes late, having slept till the last minute. She works in slow motion, and it takes her so long to do any one thing that people never ask for her help. If she didn’t spend the day pumping herself full of caffeine, she probably would not be able to move at all.

b)

She keeps customers waiting while she talks with a coworker. When someone asks her about a sale item, she snaps, “If it isn’t on the shelf, we don’t have it!” When her boss isn’t watching her, she answers the telephone by saying, “Yeah, what do you want?”

c)

She can answer the phone, ring up a customer’s purchases, and count large amounts of money all at the same time. She often volunteers to help customers bring their bags to their cars. She does not mind taking time to answer a customer’s question or help someone stock a shelf.

24.

Which supporting detail does not support the main idea?

Main idea: Technology can help students learn.

a)

Students who are struggling can use educational websites to study at their own pace.

b)

It's fun to look up Youtube videos in your free time.

c)

Many word processors have spell check to help with spelling.

d)

Students can communicate with each other about class assignments.

25.

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?

a)

The American Falls is 167 feet high

b)

The Horseshoe Falls is 161 feet high

c)

Niagra Falls is one of the most beautiful sights in North America

d)

It is located between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie

26.

Which sentence is a supporting detail that recycling is important?

a)

There are many landfills available for waste.

b)

Clean jars before recycling them.

c)

Recycling paper saves trees from being cut down.

d)

Separate your paper, cans, and glass jars before recycling.

27.

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

a)

Many people sleep later on the weekends.

b)

Caffeine keeps some people awake at night.

c)

Dark rooms are best for sleeping.

d)

Seven to nine hours keeps you refreshed the next day.

28.

There are many fun things to do at the beach. Swimming is one thing that can be done at the beach. Snorkeling is another thing that can be enjoyed. Playing beach volleyball can be a lot of fun. It is also fun to look for shells. Some people simply like to sunbathe.

What is the main idea?

a)

There are many fun things to do at the beach.

b)

It is also fun to look for shells.

c)

Some people simply like to sunbathe.

d)

Going to the beach to swim can be fun.

29.
Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.  Soccer players learn how to dribble and pass the ball.  They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score.  Most importantly, soccer players learn how to work together with their teammates.
What is the main idea?
a)
They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score.
b)
Soccer players learn how to dribble.
c)
They learn how to work together as teammates.
d)
Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.
30.
Jenny visited her grandmother in the hospital.  She saw how kind and helpful the nurses were to her grandmother.  Now she wants to be a nurse when she grows up.  She wants to help sick people get well. 
What is the main idea?
a)
Jenny got sick.
b)
Jenny wants to be a nurse.
c)
Her grandmother was in the hospital.
d)
Jenny was glad the nurses were being kind to her grandmother.
31.
Mary has a new pet.  Her pet is a baby kitten.  It is soft and cuddly.  The kitten likes to sleep a lot.  Mary put a soft blanket in a box for its bed.  Mary plays with her kitten when it is awake.  She never forgets to feed her kitten.
What is the main idea?
a)
The kitten sleeps a lot.
b)
Mary plays with her kitten
c)
Mary’s new pet is a kitten.
d)
Mary want a new pet.
32.
Many people have not heard giraffes make noises.  Giraffes do not use sounds to “talk” with each other.  When hurt, giraffes make a low moo, something like a cow.  When frightened, they make a short, high sound.
What is the main idea?
a)
Giraffes do make noises
b)
Giraffes talk all the time.
c)
Cows and giraffes talk to each other.
d)
Lots of people have heard giraffes talk.
33.

What is a statement that tells what a passage is mostly about called?

a)

Topic

b)

Claim

c)

Main Idea

d)

Transitional sentence

34.

True or False: The main idea does not need supporting details.

a)

True

b)

False

35.
What is the best question to ask yourself when you are trying to find the main idea?
a)
Who is the main character?
b)
What is the main event?
c)
What is one important detail?
d)
What point is the author trying to make?
36.
Which term best describes the main idea of a piece of writing?
a)
A supporting detail
b)
A central point
c)
A broad topic
d)
A statement of opinion
37.
In the same article about healthy foods, what would the main idea be?
a)
Healthy foods include fruit, vegetables, and lean protein
b)
Healthy foods
c)
Eating healthy foods is good for you
d)
Eating is necessary to sustain life
38.
What supporting detail might you find in the same article?
a)
People who eat healthy foods live longer
b)
Healthy foods include vegetables and protein
c)
Healthy foods are good for you
d)
Eating is necessary to sustain life
39.
If you wanted to find the main idea in a piece of writing, where would you look?
a)
In the first sentence
b)
In the first sentence of the second paragraph 
c)
In the last sentence of the first paragraph 
d)
There's no one place where the main idea is found
40.
If you can't figure out the main idea of a passage, what should you do?
a)
Try to recall every specific detail in the passage
b)
Ask yourself general questions about the passage
c)
Read the passage once and don't look at it again
d)
Read the passage over and over until you have it memorized
41.
Tom started to reel in his line. The fish tugged and pulled hard. Judging by the weight of his catch, this fish could feed his family for three days. Tom struggled to stay in the boat and not be pulled over the side. Finally his catch came into view. He had snagged a snapping turtle!
What is the main idea?
a)
Tom finds enough food for his family.
b)
Tom gets pulled out of his boat by a huge fish.
c)
Tom didn't catch anything.
d)
Tom catches a snapping turtle while fishing.
42.
Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Brown are bakers.  They work at a store called Bake Goods to Go.  Mrs. Jones works nights.  She bakes cakes, cookies, and pies.  Mrs. Brown works in the daytime.  She bakes bread and rolls.  Both Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Brown are very good bakers.
What is the main idea?
a)
Mrs. Jones bakes pies.
b)
Mrs. Brown bakes rolls.
c)
Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Brown are bakers
d)
They work at a store called Bake Goods to Go.
43.
usually one or two words
a)
Topic 
b)
Claim
c)
Main Idea
d)
Supporting details
44.
the general subject that the passage is about
a)
Topic
b)
Claim
c)
Main Idea
d)
Supporting details
45.
a statement that tells what a passage is mostly about
a)
Topic
b)
Claim
c)
Main Idea
d)
Transitional sentence
46.
The reader should determine the main idea BEFORE reading the passage.
a)
True
b)
False
47.
What is the main idea of a reading selection?
a)
The supporting ideas in a text that show proof.
b)
What the text is mainly about.
c)
A conclusion statement
d)
A full and complete sentence.
48.
Why is it important to locate a main idea? How will it help you?
a)
Locating the main idea will help you comprehend a text better.
b)
It will help you learn more about a subject.
c)
It does not really help you much.
d)
None of the answers fit the question.
49.
What are supporting details (also known as concrete details)?
a)
Quotes, facts, examples all located within the text to help support the main idea.
b)
The author's discussion about the main idea in more depth.
c)
The author's opinion about the main idea.
d)
The reader's opinion about the main idea.
50.
What is the main idea of the following 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.
a)
Robots are being used in sumo wrestling contests. 
b)
Sumo wrestling is a sport.
c)
Robots hold each other down in sumo wrestling.
d)
Robots that score more points will win.
51.
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.
a)
Robots are being used in sumo wrestling contests
b)
Robots sumo contests are better than human sumo contests.
c)
Robot sumo uses robots instead of humans.
d)
Watching robot sumo is boring.
52.
What is the main idea of the following paragraph?
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.
a)
Mother gorillas do a lot for their babies.
b)
The baby gorillas are very small.
c)
Baby gorillas need their mothers a lot.
d)
Mothers gorillas protect their babies.
53.
What is one supporting details 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.
a)
Mother gorillas do a lot for their babies.
b)
They teach the tiny gorillas how to get along with other gorillas.
c)
Baby gorillas need their mothers a lot.
d)
Mother gorillas prefer to keep their babies safe.
54.
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 main idea? 
a)
They saw some deer
b)
Jake's family likes to camp
c)
Jake's family went on a camping trip
d)
They cooked their food outside
55.
Hummingbirds love pink or red flowers. They guard their favorite flowers and try to keep other birds away. They fight one another for food. Their wings make a whirring sound when they hover over flowers to sip nectar. The tiny birds fly long distances to go to a warmer climate for the winter. They make their tiny nests in shrubs or trees. 
What is the main idea?
a)
Hummingbirds are interesting birds
b)
They hover over flowers to sip nectar.
c)
They fly long distances to travel to warmer climates in the winter
d)
They guard their favorite flowers
56.

Yesterday was my birthday. When I woke up, I noticed my brother Josh hung up a big sign that said,"Happy Birthday, Charles!" Mom made spaghetti for dinner.

It's my favorite food in the whole world. My friend Dave came over and handed me a wrapped gift. I wondered what it was. It was a new basketball! I had a great day.


What is the main idea of this paragraph?

a)

Josh got lots of gifts.

b)

Charles got lots of gifts.

c)

Charles had a great birthday.

d)

Josh had a great birthday.

57.
Select the supporting detail that doesn't fit.
Topic Sentence: My cat is afraid of everything.
a)
He hides under the couch when you turn the microwave on.
b)
He sleeps all day long.
c)
He runs away when you sweep the floor.
d)
He jumps every time the doorbell rings.
58.
Select the supporting detail that doesn't fit.
Topic Sentence: Reading class is really interesting.
a)
We learn interesting facts from the things we read.
b)
Our teacher gives us new ways to look at things.
c)
It's my least favorite class.
d)
Sometimes we do dramatic readings of the text that are super engaging. 
59.

Select ALL details to support the main idea that education is important.

a)

It helps you understand the world.

b)

Education causes problems.

c)

Education can lead to success in life.

d)

You make smarter choices in life if you're educated.

60.

Main means...

a)

Key

b)

Important

c)

Heart of the matter

d)

All of the above

61.

Main Idea and Theme are the same thing

a)

True

b)

False

62.

Examples, descriptions, reasons, and facts are types of supporting details

a)

True

b)

False

63.

How many supporting details can a main idea have?

a)

2 or 3

b)

Just 1

c)

As many as it wants

d)

I'm not sure

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