Informational Text - Controlling Idea and Supporting Evidence

When reading an informational text, what is a key idea?

• A summary of the text's conclusion.
• A list of all the characters in the text.
• The main point or central concept of the text.
• The author's personal opinion on the topic.

In an informational text, what is a supporting detail?

• A supporting detail is a summary of the text.
• A supporting detail is the main idea itself.
• A supporting detail is an unrelated fact.
• A supporting detail is information that reinforces the main idea.

When writing an informational text, the author needs to have a controlling idea. A controlling idea is...

• a summary of the text's conclusion
• a list of sources used in the text
• the main point that guides the content of the text

• the author's personal opinion on the topic

Another word for a controlling idea is _____.

• summary

• supporting detail
• argumentative claim
• thesis

What is the controlling idea of this passage?

The honeybee is an incredibly important insect. It plays a vital role in our ecosystem by pollinating plants. When bees collect pollen from flowers, they inadvertently transfer pollen from one flower to another, allowing plants to reproduce. This process is essential for the growth of many fruits, vegetables, and flowers that we rely on for food and beauty. Without bees, our food supply would be significantly reduced.

• Honeybees are necessary for beautiful flowers.

• Honeybees are important to our ecosystem because they pollinate plants.

• Honeybees are important to our ecosystem because they produce many fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

• Honeybees are vital for farmers.

What is the controlling idea of this passage?

Trees are like the lungs of our planet. They absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen, which is essential for all living things. Trees also help to prevent soil erosion, purify water, and provide shade, which can help to reduce energy costs. Additionally, forests are home to a wide variety of plants and animals, making them important biodiversity hotspots. It's clear that trees play a vital role in our health and well-being, as well as the health of our planet.

• Trees can help reduce energy costs.

• Trees are essential for the health of our planet and our well-being.

• Trees are mainly decorative and have no ecological impact.
• Trees primarily provide fruit for animals.

List two pieces of evidence that support the controlling idea.

What is the controlling idea of the passage?

List two pieces of evidence from the text that support the controlling idea.

Explain how each piece of evidence you selected supports the controlling idea.