Main Idea & Supporting Details

Front

What is the main idea of a text?

Back

The main idea is the author's primary point or message in the text.

Front

What question helps find the main idea?

Back

What is the author's main point/message in this text?

Front

What are supporting details?

Back

Supporting details are facts, examples, or descriptions that help explain or back up the main idea.

Front

What is the relationship between the main idea and supporting details?

Back

The main idea is supported by details that provide evidence or examples.

Front

What is a topic sentence?

Back

A topic sentence states the main idea of a paragraph.

Front

How can you identify the topic of a paragraph?

Back

The topic can often be found in the first or last sentence of the paragraph.

Front

What is an example of a supporting detail?

Back

Professional athletes spend countless hours practicing their sports.

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What is the purpose of a concluding sentence?

Back

A concluding sentence summarizes the main idea and supporting details of a paragraph.

Front

What is the main idea of a paragraph about sharks losing teeth?

Back

Sharks lose many teeth over the course of their lifetime.

Front

What type of details support the main idea?

Back

Details that provide evidence, examples, or explanations.