Main Idea and Supporting Details: Master the Basics of Informational Text

Question 1

What is the main idea of the informational text we just read about the Great Wall of China?

Accepted Answer

The Great Wall of China was primarily built for defense against invaders.

Answer

The Great Wall of China is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Answer

The Great Wall of China was constructed using stone and brick.

Answer

The Great Wall of China is one of the longest walls in the world.

Question 2

To effectively identify the main idea of a text, which of the following is NOT a crucial skill?

Accepted Answer

Memorizing the exact wording of the text

Answer

Grasping the text's purpose

Answer

Concisely summarizing its main points

Answer

Spotting evidence that supports the main idea

Question 3

Which of the following best exemplifies a supporting detail?

Accepted Answer

A specific example or fact that reinforces the main idea

Answer

The text's central argument

Answer

An individual's opinion or observation

Answer

A comprehensive summary of the entire text

Question 4

Which type of text is most likely to present a clear and concise main idea?

Accepted Answer

A local newspaper article reporting on a recent event

Answer

A scientific report detailing a complex experiment

Answer

A novel featuring multiple characters and intricate plot lines

Answer

A poem employing abstract imagery and symbolism

Question 5

How does a main idea differ from a topic?

Accepted Answer

The topic is broader, while the main idea is more specific

Answer

The main idea is broader, while the topic is more specific

Answer

The main idea is a fact, while the topic is an opinion

Answer

There is no distinction between a main idea and a topic

Question 6

What's the primary purpose of supporting details in a text?

Accepted Answer

To elaborate on the main idea

Answer

To validate the main idea

Answer

To restate the main idea

Answer

To contradict the main idea

Question 7

What is the main idea of the paragraph about the Great Fire of Chicago?

Accepted Answer

The Great Fire of Chicago was a devastating fire that caused widespread destruction and displacement.

Answer

The Great Fire of Chicago was the most devastating fire in American history.

Answer

The Great Fire of Chicago started on October 8, 1871.

Answer

The Great Fire of Chicago destroyed over 17,000 buildings and left more than 100,000 people homeless.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a type of supporting detail?

Accepted Answer

Restatements of the main idea

Answer

Examples

Answer

Reasons

Answer

Facts that provide evidence for the main idea

Question 9

Read the following sentence: 'The main idea of the book is that reading is important.' What is the supporting detail for this sentence?

Accepted Answer

The book provides several examples of the benefits of reading.

Answer

Reading is an essential skill for success in school.

Answer

The book explains different types of reading materials.

Answer

The book includes interviews with famous authors.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using graphic organizers to understand main idea and supporting details?

Accepted Answer

Can be confusing or time-consuming to create.

Answer

Helps visualize the text structure.

Answer

Makes it easier to remember key information.

Answer

Provides a permanent record of the information.

Question 11

What is the best definition of a main idea?

Accepted Answer

The most important point that the author wants to convey

Answer

A detail that supports the main idea

Answer

The general topic of a text

Answer

The main character in a story

Question 12

Which strategy is most effective for finding the main idea of a text?

Accepted Answer

Reading the entire text and identifying the sentence that best summarizes the main point

Answer

Reading only the first sentence

Answer

Reading only the last sentence

Answer

Reading only the title

Question 13

What is the central concept being conveyed in the text?

Accepted Answer

The main idea

Answer

The supporting details

Answer

The first sentence

Answer

The topic

Question 14

Which of these options provides evidence to support the main idea?

Accepted Answer

A statement or piece of information that strengthens the main idea

Answer

The author's primary argument

Answer

A question posed by the author

Answer

A personal experience shared by the author

Question 15

Which of the following is not a desirable quality of a good main idea?

Accepted Answer

Personal and opinionated

Answer

Clear and concise

Answer

Supported by evidence

Answer

Expressed in a complete sentence

Question 16

Which type of text structure commonly employs a main idea and supporting details?

Accepted Answer

Expository

Answer

Narrative

Answer

Persuasive

Answer

Descriptive

Question 17

What is the main feature of the main idea in an informational text?

Accepted Answer

It conveys the most important message from the author.

Answer

It is usually stated in the first sentence.

Answer

It may change throughout the text.

Answer

It is always proven by evidence.

Question 18

What is the purpose of supporting details in an informational text?

Accepted Answer

To provide evidence and examples for the main idea.

Answer

To summarize the key points.

Answer

To introduce new topics unrelated to the main idea.

Answer

To make the text more challenging to read.

Question 19

What is the most effective way to determine the main idea of an informational text?

Accepted Answer

Carefully read the text and identify the central message.

Answer

Quickly scan the text for repeated ideas.

Answer

Read the title and headings to get a general idea.

Answer

Only rely on the conclusion for the main idea.

Question 20

Which skill is least important for understanding main ideas and supporting details?

Accepted Answer

Memorizing facts

Answer

Active reading

Answer

Summarizing

Answer

Critical thinking

Question 21

How do supporting details enhance the main idea?

Accepted Answer

They provide specific examples and explanations.

Answer

They paraphrase the main idea using different words.

Answer

They introduce new ideas unrelated to the main idea.

Answer

They are included to mislead the reader.

Question 22

Which of the following is the best definition of a main idea?

Accepted Answer

The most important point or message of a text

Answer

A brief summary of the text

Answer

A statement that supports the author's opinion

Answer

A detail that provides evidence for the main idea

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good main idea statement?

Accepted Answer

It is very long and detailed.

Answer

It is a complete sentence.

Answer

It is specific.

Answer

It is supported by the details in the text.

Question 24

What is the best way to find the main idea of a text?

Accepted Answer

Read the entire text and pay attention to the details and how they relate to each other.

Answer

Read the first paragraph only.

Answer

Read the last paragraph only.

Answer

Reread the text several times.

Question 25

What is the main idea of a text?

Accepted Answer

The most important message the writer wants to convey

Answer

A detail that supports a specific point

Answer

The conclusion drawn from the supporting details

Answer

A shortened summary of the entire text

Question 26

Read this sentence: 'The American Civil War lasted for four bloody years.' What is the main idea?

Accepted Answer

The American Civil War was a bloody conflict

Answer

The American Civil War was fought in the United States

Answer

The American Civil War ended in 1865

Answer

The American Civil War involved two sides

Question 27

Which strategy is most helpful for finding the main idea of a text?

Accepted Answer

Identifying the topic and locating sentences related to it

Answer

Reading only the first and last paragraphs

Answer

Highlighting every sentence in the text

Answer

Rereading the text multiple times without a strategy

Question 28

How do you identify the main idea of a text?

Accepted Answer

Find the sentence that summarizes the key point of the text.

Answer

Count the number of paragraphs in the text.

Answer

Read the first and last sentences of the text.

Question 29

What is the main idea of this passage: 'The Amazon rainforest contains thousands of species of plants and animals. It produces a significant portion of the world's oxygen. The Amazon rainforest is an important ecosystem.'?

Accepted Answer

The Amazon rainforest is home to a vast array of life and plays a crucial role in the Earth's ecosystem.

Answer

The Amazon rainforest is located in South America.

Question 30

Which sentence best supports the following main idea: 'The internet has become indispensable in modern life'?

Accepted Answer

The internet allows us to connect with people worldwide instantly.

Answer

The internet has made shopping more convenient.

Answer

The internet has led to the rise of social media.

Question 31

Which example illustrates an implicit main idea?

Accepted Answer

The writer describes several different types of clouds and how they form.

Answer

Clouds are formed when water vapor in the air condenses.

Answer

Clouds are an important part of the water cycle.

Question 32

What is the best strategy for identifying supporting details in a text?

Accepted Answer

Look for sentences that provide specific examples, information, or proof to support the main idea.

Answer

Read the text aloud and listen for key words.

Answer

Highlight all the nouns in the text.

Question 33

Which text structure commonly uses a sequence of supporting details?

Accepted Answer

Chronological order

Answer

Compare and contrast

Answer

Cause and effect

Answer

Problem and solution

Question 34

Which is NOT an advantage of using supporting details in writing?

Accepted Answer

They can make the writing confusing.

Answer

They make the writing more interesting and engaging.

Answer

They help develop and explain the main idea.

Answer

They provide evidence for the main idea.

Question 35

How do you evaluate the quality of supporting details?

Accepted Answer

Consider whether they are relevant, specific, and provide enough information.

Answer

Count the number of supporting details.

Answer

Check if the supporting details are grammatically correct.

Question 36

The main idea of a text is:

Accepted Answer

The central message that the writer wants to convey

Answer

A fact mentioned in the text

Answer

A detail that supports a supporting point

Question 37

Which of the following details from the passage supports the main idea that the Arctic is a unique ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

The Arctic is home to a unique ecosystem, including polar bears, seals, and whales.

Answer

The Arctic is a region located around the North Pole.

Answer

The Arctic includes the Arctic Ocean and the surrounding land areas.

Question 38

Read the following paragraph: 'The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world. It is located off the coast of Australia and is home to a wide variety of marine life. The reef is a popular tourist destination and is also an important source of food for local communities.' What is the main idea of this paragraph?

Accepted Answer

The Great Barrier Reef is a remarkable natural wonder.

Answer

The Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of Australia.

Answer

The Great Barrier Reef is a popular tourist destination.

Question 39

Which of the following details from the paragraph about the Great Barrier Reef supports the main idea that it is a remarkable natural wonder?

Accepted Answer

It is the largest coral reef system in the world.

Answer

It is a popular tourist destination.

Answer

It is located off the coast of Australia.

Answer

It is an important source of food for local communities.

Question 40

What is the main idea of the following paragraph: 'The human body is an amazing machine. It is made up of trillions of cells, each with its own unique function. The body is able to perform a wide range of tasks, from breathing and digesting food to thinking and moving.'?

Accepted Answer

The human body is a complex and incredible organism.

Answer

The human body is constantly changing.

Answer

The human body can perform a wide range of tasks.

Answer

The human body is made up of cells.

Question 41

Read the following paragraph: 'The Internet has revolutionized the way we live. We can now communicate with people all over the world instantly, access information on any topic imaginable, and shop for goods and services without leaving our homes.' What is the main idea of this paragraph?

Accepted Answer

The Internet has had a profound impact on our lives.

Answer

The Internet gives us access to information on any topic imaginable.

Answer

The Internet allows us to communicate with people all over the world.

Question 42

Which detail from the text provides the strongest evidence for the main idea?

Accepted Answer

Stretching over 13,000 miles, the Great Wall of China is remarkably long.

Answer

The Great Wall of China is famous among tourists.

Answer

The construction of the Great Wall of China spanned multiple centuries.

Answer

The Great Wall of China employed various materials such as stone, bricks, and packed soil.

Question 43

Identify the sentence that best captures the central idea of the given paragraph:

Accepted Answer

The Amazon rainforest is an incredibly diverse and crucial ecosystem.

Answer

The Amazon rainforest harbors an abundance of plant and animal species.

Answer

The Amazon rainforest is located in South America.

Question 44

Identify the sentence that best captures the central idea of the given article:

Accepted Answer

The internet has profoundly changed how we interact.

Answer

The internet provides easy access to information.

Answer

The internet simplifies staying connected with loved ones.

Question 45

Identify the sentence that best expresses the central idea of the provided speech:

Accepted Answer

It is crucial that we take action to protect our environment.

Answer

We need to lessen our carbon footprint.

Answer

The environment faces numerous challenges.

Question 46

Identify the main idea of the following sentence: The Great Depression was a severe worldwide financial crisis that began in the United States in the 1930s.

Accepted Answer

The Great Depression was a catastrophic global economic meltdown that commenced in the United States during the 1930s.

Answer

The Great Depression was a period of economic decline.

Answer

The Great Depression had a devastating impact on the United States.

Answer

The Great Depression lasted for over a decade.

Question 47

Choose the best approach for determining the main idea of an informational text:

Accepted Answer

Read the text thoroughly, identifying the most significant point the author wants to convey.

Answer

Identify the first sentence of the text.

Answer

Read the title and skim the first paragraph.

Question 48

Provide an example of a supporting detail that supports the main idea: The Amazon rainforest is a haven of diverse plant and animal life.

Accepted Answer

The Amazon rainforest is home to an astonishing 40,000 species of plants.

Answer

The Amazon rainforest is a crucial part of the Earth's ecosystem.

Answer

The Amazon rainforest is the largest rainforest on our planet.

Question 49

Select the feature that characterizes a well-written main idea statement:

Accepted Answer

It is a complete sentence that encapsulates the central message of the text.

Answer

It is a question that the text answers.

Answer

It is a series of points that summarize the text.

Question 50

Identify the topic sentence that expresses a main idea:

Accepted Answer

The American Revolution stands as a pivotal moment in global history.

Answer

The American Revolution resulted in the establishment of the United States.

Answer

The American Revolution involved a conflict between the British and the colonists.

Question 51

Identify the common misconception regarding main ideas:

Accepted Answer

Main ideas are explicitly stated in every text.

Answer

Main ideas can be implied from the context.

Answer

Main ideas require supporting evidence.

Question 52

Select a strategy for finding the main idea of an informational text:

Accepted Answer

Read the text attentively and identify the author's most prominent point.

Answer

Locate the first sentence of the text.

Answer

Focus on the title and the beginning of the text.

Question 53

Provide an example of a supporting detail that supports the main idea: Social media use can negatively impact mental well-being.

Accepted Answer

Social media use has been linked to increased anxiety and depression.

Answer

Social media can promote positive body image.

Answer

Social media allows for connections with friends and family.

Question 54

Select the defining characteristic of a well-written supporting detail:

Accepted Answer

It supplies specific evidence that supports the main idea.

Answer

It is a general statement about the topic.

Answer

It is an unrelated fact.