Main Idea & Supporting Details — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Trees give us shade. They make oxygen for us to breathe. Birds build nests in trees. This passage is mainly about trees.
Every sentence starts with or points back to trees, so the whole passage keeps its focus on trees as the one subject.
2. Rabbits hop fast. They have long ears. Baby rabbits are called kittens. The main idea is that rabbits have interesting features.
The details list different parts and traits of rabbits, like hopping, long ears, and baby names, and 'features' is the word that covers all those traits together.
3. Snow covers the ground in winter. Kids build snowmen. Animals stay warm in dens. The main idea is that snow changes how we live.
The details show snow changing the ground, changing what kids do, and changing where animals go, so the word 'live' fits because snow changes daily life for people and animals.
4. Farmers grow vegetables and fruits. They take care of animals. Farmers work hard every day. This passage is mostly about farmers.
Every sentence describes what farmers do, from growing food to caring for animals, so 'farmers' is clearly the subject the passage keeps circling back to.
5. Stars shine at night. Some stars are very far away. Groups of stars make shapes called constellations. The topic of this passage is stars.
Each sentence tells a different fact about stars, so 'stars' is the one-word topic that all the details share.
6. A detail that tells more about the main idea is called a supporting detail.
The word 'supporting' means holding something up. A supporting detail holds up the main idea by giving facts or examples that prove it.
7. To find the main idea, ask yourself: What is this passage mostly about?
Asking 'What is this mostly about?' helps readers zoom out past tiny details and notice the big subject the passage keeps discussing.
8. A good retelling includes the main idea and the most important details.
A retelling works best when you share the big idea plus a few key details so your listener truly understands what the passage was about.
9. The title of a passage can give you a clue about the main idea.
Titles act like little clues because writers pick them to hint at the main idea before you even start reading the paragraph.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
Ants carry food back to their hill. They work in teams. Ants are very strong for their size.
→ Ants are hard workers.
The park is a fun place for families.
The park has swings and slides. Kids play tag on the grass. Families have picnics there.
→ The park is a fun place for families.
Doctors help people feel better.
Doctors check your heartbeat. They give you medicine when you are sick. Doctors help you stay healthy.
→ Doctors help people feel better.
Crayons are useful and enjoyable tools.
Crayons come in many colors. You can draw pictures and color maps. Crayons are fun to use.
→ Crayons are useful and enjoyable tools.
Ants are hard workers.
Each group of details points to one big idea: the ant facts all show hard work, the park facts all show fun for families, the doctor facts all show helping people, and the crayon facts all show useful, enjoyable tools.