What is a supporting detail?

Read the main idea: Dogs can make great pets. Which sentence is a supporting detail? A. Dogs have tails. B. Dogs need regular exercise. C. Dogs are animals.

Read the main idea: Recess helps students focus better in class. Write one supporting detail that could go with this main idea.

Read the paragraph: Mia practices piano for 20 minutes every day. She learns new songs quickly. She performs at recitals each spring. Which sentence is the supporting detail that shows her practice routine?

Main idea: School gardens teach students responsibility. Which detail best supports this idea? A. Gardens can have flowers. B. Students water plants and remove weeds. C. Some gardens are outside.

Choose the best supporting detail for this main idea: Reading before bed can help people relax.

Read the paragraph: The library added new computers this year. Students can now print assignments more easily. The library also stayed open later on Thursdays. Which sentence is a supporting detail about the library's changes?

Main idea: Eating breakfast can help students start the day. Write one specific detail that supports this idea.

Which detail is strongest for the main idea: Sports help students build teamwork skills? A. Many sports are fun. B. Players must communicate and work together. C. Sports happen after school.

Read the sentence: The town park is cleaner now. Which detail would best support this statement?

Main idea: Volunteering at an animal shelter can be rewarding. Write two supporting details.

Read the paragraph: Jordan joined the debate club. He learned how to organize his ideas. He also became more confident speaking in front of others. Which two sentences are supporting details?

Which detail does the best job of supporting this main idea: Plastic waste harms the environment? A. Plastic bottles are common. B. Plastic can last for many years and pollute oceans. C. Some stores sell reusable bags.

Main idea: Practice helps athletes improve. Explain how this supporting detail connects to the main idea: A swimmer practices turns and strokes every day.

Read the paragraph: The science fair was busy and exciting. Students explained their projects to visitors. Judges asked questions about experiments and results. Which sentence is the strongest supporting detail for the idea that students were actively sharing their work?

Write one supporting detail for this main idea: Class trips can help students learn in new ways.

Main idea: A healthy sleep routine can improve school performance. Which detail is most relevant? A. Some people like quiet rooms. B. Getting enough sleep can improve memory and attention. C. Bedtime stories are enjoyable.

Read the paragraph: The cafeteria offered a new salad bar. Many students chose fruits and vegetables. The staff also posted nutrition facts near the food line. Which detail best supports the idea that the cafeteria encouraged healthy choices?

Main idea: Using digital calendars can help students stay organized. Write two supporting details.

Read the sentence: Maya became a stronger writer this year. Which of these details would best support that statement? A. She enjoys notebooks. B. She writes longer essays with clearer ideas. C. She uses blue pens.

A paragraph says, 'The city's new bike lanes made travel safer. More riders now use bikes instead of cars for short trips.' Which detail is the evidence and what does it support?

Main idea: Community clean-up events benefit neighborhoods. Write a supporting detail that shows a result of the clean-up.

Read the paragraph: Some schools start later in the morning. Students may arrive more alert. Teachers may notice better participation during first period. Which detail best supports the idea that later start times can help students?

Choose the two best supporting details for this main idea: Learning a second language can open new opportunities. A. Some words are hard to pronounce. B. People can communicate with more people. C. It may help in travel or future jobs. D. Many languages have grammar rules.

Main idea: A school newspaper can strengthen a school community. Explain how this detail supports the idea: Students interview classmates and share stories about school events.

Read the paragraph: During winter, the city planted more trees in public spaces. The trees will provide shade in summer. They can also help improve air quality. Which detail is the most direct support for the idea that the trees will help the city in the future?

Write a main idea that could be supported by these details: Students in art class used recycled materials. They created sculptures, frames, and decorations. They also learned how to reduce waste.

Read the paragraph: The robotics team tested its robot many times. When the robot missed a turn, the team adjusted the code. When the robot picked up objects too slowly, they improved the motor settings. What does this paragraph suggest about the team?

Main idea: Persuading an audience takes strong evidence. Write a short response explaining why the following detail is strong support for the claim that park benches should be repaired: 'Several benches have broken slats, and visitors have nowhere to sit.'

Write a well-supported answer: Which detail would best support the main idea that regular reading improves vocabulary, and why? Choose from these options: A. Books have covers. B. Readers meet new words in context. C. Libraries are quiet. Then explain your choice.