Main Idea & Supporting Details — Answer Key
Part A: Trace the Words
Trace each word carefully by following the dotted lines.
1. fact
2. idea
3. main
4. clue
5. topic
6. detail
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Details are small facts about the main idea.
The main idea tells you what the whole passage is about. It is the one big thought that covers everything in the passage.
2. The main idea is the most important part.
A fact is a true piece of information that supports the big idea. Facts help prove that the main idea is correct.
3. You can find clues that support the big idea.
Good readers look for key details because they tell us more about the main idea and help us understand the story better.
4. Every story has one big topic it is about.
Every paragraph has one big topic that everything in it is about. All the sentences in a paragraph connect to this topic.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. Details are not important to a story.
True False
True. Every story has a main idea. It is the one most important message the author wants you to understand.
2. The main idea is what a story is mostly about.
True False
False. The main idea is not always the first sentence. Sometimes you need to read the whole story to figure it out.
3. A picture can help you find the main idea.
True False
True. Details help explain the main idea by giving facts, reasons, and examples that support the big message.