Main Idea & Supporting Details — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Birds build nests. They use sticks, grass, and leaves. What is the main idea?
A) Birds eat seeds
B) Birds build nests
C) Birds can sing
D) Birds are blue
The main idea is that Anna takes care of her garden. Watering, weeding, and planting are details showing how she does it.
2. Tom helps at home. He cleans his room and feeds the cat. What is this mostly about?
A) Tom plays outside
B) Tom helps at home
C) Tom goes to school
D) Tom eats dinner
The main idea is that the park is a fun place for families. Swings, slides, and picnics are details about the fun things there.
3. Which is a detail that supports: It was a rainy day?
A) Puddles were on the ground
B) The sun was bright
C) We went swimming
D) Flowers were dry
"He drinks milk at lunch" is a supporting detail. It gives one example of the healthy things Ben eats and drinks.
4. The farm has cows, pigs, and chickens. What is the main idea?
A) The farm has many animals
B) The farm is small
C) Pigs can fly
D) Cows drink water
The main idea is that people stay active in winter weather. Wearing coats and building snowmen are details about winter activities.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. Supporting details tell us more about the main idea.
The main idea is the big point of a story. It is the most important message that all the details are there to support.
2. The main idea is the most important thought.
Supporting details explain the main idea by giving facts, reasons, and examples that make the big message clearer.
3. A good reader looks for the big idea in a story.
A title often gives a hint about the main idea. Reading the title first helps you know what to expect in the passage.
4. Facts and details help you understand the topic.
You can find details by reading each sentence carefully. Each sentence may give a new fact or example that supports the main idea.
5. The topic of a story is what it is all about.
The main idea and details work together in a passage. The main idea is the big message, and the details help explain and prove it.