Main Idea & Supporting Details

What is the main idea?

• What the text talks about

• the setting of the story

• pieces of information that add to the information

What are the supporting details?

• the opinion of the author/ writer

• pieces of information that develop the main idea

• Description of the setting

What would be the supporting detail for this main idea: An ostrich and a penguin have a lot in common

• Both have wings but cannot fly

• Ostriches are very fast birds

• Penguins live in cold places

What would be the supporting details for this main idea: Teamwork is an important skill when playing basketball

• I love working in a team

• Don't also forget to drink lots of water

• Passing the ball to other team members helps you win

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 of this passage?

• Giraffes moo when hurt

• Giraffes makes sounds

• Cows and Giraffes talk to one another

Yesterday was my birthday. When I woke up, I realized that my sister Jennie hung up a big sign that said,"Happy Birthday, Amy!" Mom made lasagne for dinner. It's my favorite food. My friend Steve gave me a wrapped gift. It was new headphones and an awesome perfume! It was an awesome day.

What is the main idea of this paragraph?

• Amy loves lasagne

• Amy had an awesome birthday

• Amy got many gifts

It was backwards day at school. The students had to do things backwards. Some wore their t-shirts backwards. Dessert was served first at lunch. They turned their papers upside down to write. They tried to write backwards. The school even took things to a higher level and started school in the afternoon

• Students had backwards day at school

• Students had to write backwards

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 also be a lot of fun. It is also fun to look for shells. Some people simply like to go fishing.

What is the main idea of he passage?

• Swimming is one thing done at the beach

• Many fun things to do at the beach

• The best sport to play at the beach is volleyball

What would be a supporting detail for this main idea: Fruit is a healthy snack

• You should peel a banana before eating it

• Grapes are good for your heart

• My favorite fruit is apples

What would be a supporting detail for this main idea: My grandpa is an expert mechanic

• He lets me ride in his truck when I see him

• He was able to fix a car that was 50 yrs old

• Most people don't work on their own car