Main Idea & Supporting Details — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The topic of a passage is just one or two words. The main idea is a full sentence.
The topic is a short word or phrase, while the main idea is a complete sentence.
2. If a passage is about whales, the topic is whales, but the main idea tells something about whales.
The main idea goes further than the topic by telling something specific about whales.
3. Bears eat berries, fish, and honey. The topic is bears. The main idea is that bears eat many kinds of food.
The details list different foods bears eat, so the main idea is about the many kinds of food bears eat.
4. Storms bring heavy rain and strong winds. They can knock down trees. The main idea is that storms are powerful.
The details about heavy rain, strong winds, and falling trees show that storms are powerful.
5. The ocean is home to fish, crabs, and whales. The topic is the ocean. The main idea is that many animals live there.
The topic is the ocean because all the details are about animals that live in the ocean.
6. Retelling means saying the most important parts of a passage in your own words.
When you retell, you focus on the most important parts and use your own words.
7. When you retell, start with the main idea and add two or three key details.
A good retelling starts with the main idea and includes a few key details.
8. A good retelling does NOT include every small detail. It focuses on big ideas.
A retelling should focus on the big ideas, not every small detail.
9. The topic of a passage is different from the main idea because it is shorter.
The topic is just a word or phrase, while the main idea is a full sentence.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
Spiders
→ Spiders spin webs to catch their food.
Taking care of your teeth keeps them strong and healthy.
Seasons
→ Each season brings different weather and fun activities.
Many families enjoy having a pet at home.
Teeth
→ Taking care of your teeth keeps them strong and healthy.
Spiders spin webs to catch their food.
Pets
→ Many families enjoy having a pet at home.
Each season brings different weather and fun activities.
Each topic is a short word, while the main idea is a full sentence that tells something important about the topic.