Main Idea & Supporting Details — Answer Key
Part A: Trace the Words
Trace each word carefully by following the dotted lines.
1. topic
2. main
3. detail
4. clue
5. fact
6. idea
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The main idea tells what a story is about.
The main idea tells what a story is about. It is the most important message the author wants you to know.
2. A detail gives more information about the main idea.
A detail gives more information about the main idea. Details are like helpers that explain the big idea better.
3. The topic of a story is what it is mostly about.
The topic of a story tells you what the whole story is mostly about, like animals, weather, or school.
4. A clue helps you figure out the main idea.
A clue is a hint in the story that helps you figure out the main idea. The title, pictures, and repeated words are all clues.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. The main idea tells what a story is mostly about.
True False
True. The main idea tells what a story is mostly about. It is the one big thought that all the details help explain.
2. A story can only have one detail.
True False
False. A story can have many details. Each detail adds more information that helps explain the main idea.
3. Details help explain the main idea.
True False
True. Details help explain the main idea by giving facts, reasons, and examples that support the big message.