Determine Main Idea and Supporting Details - 3rd Grade Reading
Card 1 of 15
Which sentence is a supporting detail, not a main idea: 'Dogs are popular pets' or 'Some dogs are trained to help people'?
Which sentence is a supporting detail, not a main idea: 'Dogs are popular pets' or 'Some dogs are trained to help people'?
Tap to reveal answer
Some dogs are trained to help people. This provides specific evidence about dogs, not the overall message.
Some dogs are trained to help people. This provides specific evidence about dogs, not the overall message.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which summary best matches recounting key details: 'It was cool' or 'It explained three ways to save water'?
Which summary best matches recounting key details: 'It was cool' or 'It explained three ways to save water'?
Tap to reveal answer
It explained three ways to save water. Recounting means retelling specific information, not giving opinions.
It explained three ways to save water. Recounting means retelling specific information, not giving opinions.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is the topic of a text?
What is the topic of a text?
Tap to reveal answer
The subject the text is about, usually one or two words. Topic names what the text discusses, not the message about it.
The subject the text is about, usually one or two words. Topic names what the text discusses, not the message about it.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What are key details in an informational text?
What are key details in an informational text?
Tap to reveal answer
Important facts and examples that explain the main idea. They provide evidence and support for the central message.
Important facts and examples that explain the main idea. They provide evidence and support for the central message.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is the main idea of an informational text?
What is the main idea of an informational text?
Tap to reveal answer
The most important point the whole text explains. It's the central message that all details support.
The most important point the whole text explains. It's the central message that all details support.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which type of information is most likely a key detail: a repeated fact or a minor side note?
Which type of information is most likely a key detail: a repeated fact or a minor side note?
Tap to reveal answer
A repeated fact. Repeated facts are emphasized and likely important to the main idea.
A repeated fact. Repeated facts are emphasized and likely important to the main idea.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is a supporting detail?
What is a supporting detail?
Tap to reveal answer
A detail that explains, proves, or gives an example of the main idea. Supporting details provide evidence for the central message.
A detail that explains, proves, or gives an example of the main idea. Supporting details provide evidence for the central message.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which sentence is a main idea statement: 'Many frogs live near ponds' or 'Frogs are green'?
Which sentence is a main idea statement: 'Many frogs live near ponds' or 'Frogs are green'?
Tap to reveal answer
Many frogs live near ponds. It makes a complete statement about frogs, not just a single fact.
Many frogs live near ponds. It makes a complete statement about frogs, not just a single fact.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Identify the main idea: 'Bees help plants by moving pollen. This helps plants make seeds.'
Identify the main idea: 'Bees help plants by moving pollen. This helps plants make seeds.'
Tap to reveal answer
Bees help plants by moving pollen. This sentence states the overall message; the second adds detail.
Bees help plants by moving pollen. This sentence states the overall message; the second adds detail.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which detail best supports the main idea 'Exercise keeps people healthy'?
Which detail best supports the main idea 'Exercise keeps people healthy'?
Tap to reveal answer
It strengthens the heart and muscles. This detail directly shows how exercise benefits health.
It strengthens the heart and muscles. This detail directly shows how exercise benefits health.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What does it mean to recount key details from a text?
What does it mean to recount key details from a text?
Tap to reveal answer
Tell the important details again in your own words. Recounting means retelling the key facts in a new way.
Tell the important details again in your own words. Recounting means retelling the key facts in a new way.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Choose the best main idea for these details: 'It has a trunk. It has branches. It has leaves.'
Choose the best main idea for these details: 'It has a trunk. It has branches. It has leaves.'
Tap to reveal answer
A tree has many parts. This statement encompasses all the specific parts mentioned.
A tree has many parts. This statement encompasses all the specific parts mentioned.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Identify the key detail: 'Penguins cannot fly. They use flippers to swim. Some birds sing.'
Identify the key detail: 'Penguins cannot fly. They use flippers to swim. Some birds sing.'
Tap to reveal answer
They use flippers to swim. This fact about penguins is specific and important to the topic.
They use flippers to swim. This fact about penguins is specific and important to the topic.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which detail does NOT support the main idea 'Rainforests have many animals'?
Which detail does NOT support the main idea 'Rainforests have many animals'?
Tap to reveal answer
Rainforests are found near the equator. Location doesn't relate to the variety of animals in rainforests.
Rainforests are found near the equator. Location doesn't relate to the variety of animals in rainforests.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is the difference between a topic and a main idea?
What is the difference between a topic and a main idea?
Tap to reveal answer
Topic is the subject; main idea is what the author says about it. Topic names the subject; main idea states the key message.
Topic is the subject; main idea is what the author says about it. Topic names the subject; main idea states the key message.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →