Main Idea & Supporting Details — Answer Key
Part A: Sort the Words
Sort each word or number into the correct category box.
1. Read each sentence. Sort it into the correct group: about penguins or not about penguins.
About Penguins
Penguins are amazing birds.Penguins swim very well.Penguins have waterproof feathers. Not About Penguins
Elephants have big ears.Fish live in the ocean.Monkeys live in trees. Sentences about penguins support the main idea. The other sentences are about different animals and are off-topic.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The main idea tells what the whole passage is mostly about.
The main idea is the most important point that tells what the passage is mostly about.
2. A supporting detail gives more information about the main idea.
Supporting details give more information, examples, or facts about the main idea.
3. The main idea is usually found at the beginning or end of a paragraph.
Authors often state the main idea at the beginning or end of a paragraph.
4. Details support the main idea by giving examples and facts.
Supporting details back up the main idea with examples, facts, and reasons.
5. If a sentence is off-topic, it does NOT belong in the paragraph.
Every sentence in a paragraph should relate to the main idea. Off-topic sentences do not belong.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. A passage can have many supporting details.
True False
A passage often has several supporting details that all help explain the main idea.
2. The main idea tells only one small fact about a topic.
True False
The main idea tells the biggest, most important point of the passage, not just one small fact.
3. Supporting details give more information about the main idea.
True False
Supporting details provide extra facts, examples, and information about the main idea.
4. Every sentence in a paragraph should support the main idea.
True False
All sentences in a well-written paragraph should connect to and support the main idea.