Main Idea & Supporting Details — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Sam loves fruit. He eats apples, grapes, and bananas every day. What is the main idea?
A) Sam loves fruit
B) Sam loves toys
C) Sam eats bananas only
D) Sam does not like food
The main idea is that Sam takes care of his dog. Feeding and walking are details that show how Sam cares for his pet.
2. The dog runs, jumps, and plays fetch. What is this mostly about?
A) A cat sleeping
B) A dog playing
C) A bird flying
D) A fish swimming
The main idea is that birds build nests for their babies. Using twigs and leaves are details about how they build them.
3. Which is a supporting detail for: We had fun at the park?
A) We slid down the slide
B) We went to sleep
C) We read a book
D) We took a bath
"She goes to the library every week" is a supporting detail. It gives one example of how Lily shows she loves to read.
4. Lily waters her flowers and pulls weeds. What is the main idea?
A) Lily eats lunch
B) Lily takes care of her garden
C) Lily rides a bike
D) Lily plays with a ball
The main idea is that Tom got ready for the rain. The umbrella and rain boots are details that show how he prepared.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. The main idea tells what something is mostly about.
The main idea tells what the passage is mostly about. It is the one big thought that all the sentences work together to explain.
2. A detail gives more information to support the main idea.
A supporting detail gives extra information about the topic. It adds facts and examples that make the main idea clearer.
3. The topic of a passage is its big message.
To find the main idea, you need to read the whole passage. Reading everything helps you see what all the details have in common.
4. You can use clues in the text to find the main idea.
Details are facts that support the big idea. Each fact gives proof or an example that makes the main idea stronger.
5. Every paragraph has one main idea and many details.
The title of a paragraph helps you guess the main idea because authors use titles to give readers a hint about what is coming.