Main Idea and Supporting Details: Interactive Learning Quizzes for 5th Grade ELA

Question 1

What is the purpose of a supporting detail in a text?

Accepted Answer

To provide more information or examples to support the main idea

Answer

To restate the main idea

Answer

To contradict the main idea

Question 2

What is the main idea of the paragraph: 'Motorcycles are a great way to travel. They are easy to maneuver, get great gas mileage, and are relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain.'?

Accepted Answer

Motorcycles are cost-effective.

Answer

Motorcycles are fun to ride.

Answer

Motorcycles are good for the environment.

Answer

Motorcycles are safer than cars.

Question 3

Why do authors include examples in a text?

Accepted Answer

To support the main idea and make it more believable

Answer

To make the text more interesting

Answer

To entertain the reader

Answer

To confuse the reader

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a main idea?

Accepted Answer

The advantages of physical activity

Answer

How to exercise safely

Answer

The history of exercise

Answer

The equipment needed for exercise

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a main idea for a persuasive essay?

Accepted Answer

The advantages of recycling

Answer

How to recycle properly

Answer

The history of recycling

Answer

The equipment needed for recycling

Question 6

Which is NOT evidence supporting the main idea that British oppression caused the American Revolution?

Accepted Answer

The colonists were thankful for British rule.

Answer

The British imposed taxes without the colonists' consent.

Answer

The British limited the colonists' rights.

Answer

The British sent troops to the colonies.

Question 7

Which detail helps support the main idea of the paragraph below? The bald eagle is a powerful bird of prey. Bald eagles have very sharp eyesight. They also have strong talons.

Accepted Answer

Bald eagles have strong talons.

Answer

Bald eagles have a good sense of smell.

Answer

Bald eagles live in trees.

Answer

Bald eagles are found in North America.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Opinions

Answer

Facts

Answer

Examples

Answer

Statistics

Question 9

Which strategy is NOT helpful for finding the main idea of a text?

Accepted Answer

Identify the most interesting or surprising fact.

Answer

Read the title and first paragraph.

Answer

Look for repeated or emphasized words or phrases.

Answer

Ask yourself, 'What is the author's main message?'

Question 10

What is the main idea of a paragraph describing the life cycle of a butterfly?

Accepted Answer

Butterflies undergo four distinct stages in their life cycle.

Answer

Butterflies lay eggs that hatch into caterpillars.

Answer

Caterpillars consume大量的食物 before forming a chrysalis.

Answer

Adult butterflies emerge from the chrysalis.

Question 11

What is the main idea of a paragraph describing the different parts of a plant?

Accepted Answer

Plants consist of various parts that serve specific functions.

Answer

Roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

Answer

Stems provide support and transport substances throughout the plant.

Answer

Leaves are responsible for photosynthesis.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a supporting detail for the main idea: 'The Civil War was a turning point in American history'?

Accepted Answer

The United States remained a divided nation.

Answer

The war lasted for four years.

Answer

The Union prevailed over the Confederacy.

Answer

Slavery was abolished.

Question 13

What is the main idea of a paragraph describing the different types of animals that live in the ocean?

Accepted Answer

The ocean is home to a vast and diverse array of animal life.

Answer

Fish are the most abundant type of animal in the ocean.

Answer

Mammals, reptiles, and birds also inhabit the ocean.

Answer

Animals in the ocean have adapted to survive in various habitats.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a supporting detail for the main idea: 'The American Revolution was a successful endeavor'?

Accepted Answer

The United States became a leading global power.

Answer

The colonies declared their independence from Great Britain.

Answer

The Continental Army defeated the British forces.

Answer

The Treaty of Paris officially ended the war.

Question 15

What is the main idea of a text?

Accepted Answer

The most important point that the author is trying to make

Answer

A specific detail mentioned in the text

Answer

The author's opinion on the topic

Answer

The setting of the story

Question 16

What is the relationship between the main idea and the supporting details in a text?

Accepted Answer

The supporting details provide evidence that supports the main idea.

Answer

The main idea is a summary of the supporting details.

Answer

The supporting details are unrelated to the main idea.

Answer

The main idea and the supporting details are the same thing.

Question 17

What is NOT a supporting detail for the main idea that the children had a wonderful time at the park?

Accepted Answer

The children were very excited to go to the park.

Answer

They ran and played on the swings, slide, and merry-go-round.

Answer

They had a wonderful time and didn't want to leave.

Answer

They smiled and laughed as they played.

Question 18

Which of the following is a good topic sentence for a paragraph about the children's visit to the park?

Accepted Answer

The children had a great time at the park.

Answer

The children went to the park.

Answer

The children played on the swings, slide, and merry-go-round.

Answer

The children didn't want to leave the park.

Question 19

According to the paragraph, what is one way that the Amazon rainforest benefits humans?

Accepted Answer

It provides food and medicine for local communities.

Answer

It helps to regulate the Earth's climate.

Answer

It is home to many endangered species.

Answer

It is a popular tourist destination.

Question 20

Which of the following is a synonym for the word 'vital' in the paragraph?

Accepted Answer

Essential

Answer

Unimportant

Answer

Unnecessary

Answer

Optional

Question 21

What is the author's purpose for writing the paragraph about the Amazon rainforest?

Accepted Answer

To inform readers about the importance of the rainforest

Answer

To persuade readers to visit the rainforest

Answer

To entertain readers with stories about the rainforest

Answer

To argue that the rainforest should be protected

Question 22

Which option provides a supporting detail for the main idea that 'Reading is a worthwhile endeavor'?

Accepted Answer

Reading broadens our knowledge.

Answer

Reading helps us escape to different worlds.

Answer

Reading is a pleasant way to spend our free time.

Answer

Reading is a skill we utilize daily.

Question 23

Which of the following typically represents the main idea of a text?

Accepted Answer

The overall message or argument presented by the text.

Answer

A specific detail found in the text.

Answer

A piece of evidence supporting the main idea.

Answer

A question answered by the text.

Question 24

Which of the following is a supporting detail for the sentence 'Cats are playful animals'?

Accepted Answer

Cats enjoy chasing toys.

Answer

Cats are often independent.

Answer

Cats have sharp claws.

Answer

Cats need a lot of attention.

Question 25

Which of the following texts is likely to have a main idea and supporting details?

Accepted Answer

A newspaper article

Answer

A shopping list

Answer

A recipe

Answer

A random collection of sentences

Question 26

Which of the following is a common signal word used to indicate a supporting detail?

Accepted Answer

Because

Answer

First

Answer

Although

Answer

Therefore

Question 27

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good supporting detail?

Accepted Answer

It is unrelated to the main idea.

Answer

It provides evidence for the main idea.

Answer

It is interesting and engaging.

Answer

It is relevant to the main idea.

Question 28

Read the following sentence: 'The students were excited about the field trip because they were going to visit the zoo.' Which of the following is the supporting detail for this sentence?

Accepted Answer

The students were going to visit the zoo.

Answer

The students were excited.

Answer

The field trip was to the zoo.

Answer

The students were going on a field trip.

Question 29

Which of the following sentences could be a topic sentence?

Accepted Answer

The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War.

Answer

The Battle of Gettysburg took place in Pennsylvania.

Answer

The Battle of Gettysburg resulted in a Union victory.

Question 30

Which of the following is NOT a supporting detail for the main idea that the main cause of the American Civil War was slavery?

Accepted Answer

The war was fought over economic issues.

Answer

The Union states were opposed to slavery.

Answer

The Confederacy states were in favor of slavery.

Answer

The war was fought over states' rights.

Question 31

Which detail in the text provides the best support for the main idea that 'regular exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle'?

Accepted Answer

Regular exercise can strengthen the heart and lungs, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and improve mood and sleep.

Answer

Regular exercise can be enjoyable.

Question 32

Read the following paragraph: 'Many people love the taste of coffee. Coffee contains caffeine, which helps wake people up in the morning. Coffee is also affordable.' Which sentence best supports the main idea?

Accepted Answer

Coffee contains caffeine, which helps wake people up in the morning.

Answer

Many people love the taste of coffee.

Answer

Coffee is affordable.

Question 33

Which sentence expresses the main idea of this paragraph: 'There are various kinds of clouds. Some clouds are thin and wispy, others are puffy and white, and yet others are dark and gray.'

Accepted Answer

There are various kinds of clouds.

Answer

Some clouds are thin and wispy.

Answer

Others are puffy and white.

Answer

Still others are dark and gray.

Question 34

Which sentence provides a supporting detail for this main idea: 'The best way to learn about animals is to observe them in their natural habitat.'

Accepted Answer

Observing animals in their natural habitat allows us to see how they behave in real life.

Answer

Books and websites can provide information about animals.

Answer

We can learn about animals by watching them in captivity.

Question 35

What is the main idea of this paragraph: 'The Great Wall of China is a famous landmark in the world. It was built over many centuries to protect China from enemies. The Great Wall is over 13,000 miles long and is made of stone, brick, and wood. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.'

Accepted Answer

The Great Wall of China is a famous landmark built to protect China from enemies.

Answer

The Great Wall of China is over 13,000 miles long.

Answer

The Great Wall of China is made of stone, brick, and wood.

Question 36

Which sentence provides a supporting detail for this main idea: 'Technology has transformed how we communicate.'?

Accepted Answer

Technology now allows us to communicate with people worldwide instantly.

Answer

Technology has made communication more affordable.

Answer

Technology has made communication more convenient.

Question 37

What is the main idea of this paragraph: 'The Amazon rainforest is the largest rainforest in the world. It is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. The Amazon rainforest is also a major source of oxygen and rainfall for the planet.'

Accepted Answer

The Amazon rainforest is a vast and vital ecosystem.

Answer

The Amazon rainforest is a major source of oxygen and rainfall for the planet.

Answer

The Amazon rainforest is home to a wide variety of plants and animals.

Question 38

Which sentence provides a supporting detail for this main idea: 'Exercise is essential for good health.'?

Accepted Answer

Exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.

Answer

Exercise can improve mood and sleep.

Answer

Exercise can strengthen muscles and bones.

Question 39

What is the main idea of this paragraph: 'The sun is the center of our solar system. It is a hot ball of gas that produces light and heat. The sun is about 150 million kilometers away from Earth.'

Accepted Answer

The sun is the central and most important part of our solar system.

Answer

The sun produces light and heat.

Answer

The sun is a hot ball of gas.

Question 40

What is the main idea of this paragraph: "The human body is a remarkable organism composed of countless cells. It carries out various functions like breathing, digesting, and thinking."

Accepted Answer

The human body is an intricate system capable of performing diverse tasks.

Answer

The human body is made up of numerous cells.

Answer

The human body can breathe, digest, and think.

Question 41

Which sentence supports the main idea: "Regular exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle."

Accepted Answer

Exercise helps strengthen our cardiovascular system and improve overall fitness.

Answer

Exercise is important for weight management.

Answer

Exercise can be enjoyable and stress-relieving.

Question 42

Which sentence best conveys the main idea of the paragraph below?

"The Egyptian pyramids are ancient structures built as tombs for pharaohs. Their construction required immense labor and advanced engineering techniques. The pyramids stand as a testament to the ingenuity and architectural prowess of the ancient Egyptians."

Accepted Answer

The Egyptian pyramids are remarkable feats of engineering and architectural skill.

Answer

The Egyptian pyramids are located in North Africa.

Answer

The pyramids were primarily used as burial chambers.

Question 43

What is the main idea of the text below?

"The solar system consists of the Sun, eight planets, and numerous moons, asteroids, and comets. The planets orbit the Sun in elliptical paths. The solar system is believed to have formed about 4.6 billion years ago from the collapse of a giant molecular cloud."

Accepted Answer

The solar system is a vast and dynamic celestial system.

Answer

The solar system is made up of the Sun, planets, and other celestial bodies.

Answer

The solar system is about 4.6 billion years old.

Question 44

What is the main idea of the text below?

"Antarctica is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent on Earth. It is covered in a thick layer of ice and has no permanent human population. Antarctica is home to a variety of unique wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales."

Accepted Answer

Antarctica is a unique and inhospitable continent with extreme environmental conditions.

Answer

Antarctica is the largest continent on Earth.

Answer

Antarctica has no permanent human population.

Question 45

What is the main idea of the text below?

"The internet has revolutionized the way we communicate, learn, and access information. It has made the world a more connected and globalized place. The internet has also had a profound impact on business, education, and social interactions."

Accepted Answer

The internet has transformed various aspects of our lives by enhancing connectivity and accessibility.

Answer

The internet is used for communication.

Answer

The internet provides access to information.

Question 46

Which sentence does not provide a supporting detail for the idea that diversity is important in society?

"Diversity fosters creativity and innovation by bringing together different perspectives and experiences. It promotes understanding and tolerance among people from different backgrounds. Diversity also enriches our culture and makes society more vibrant."

Accepted Answer

Diversity is important for economic growth.

Answer

Diversity promotes understanding and tolerance.

Answer

Diversity fosters creativity and innovation.

Answer

Diversity enriches our culture.

Question 47

What is the main idea of the text below?

"Space exploration has given us a new perspective on our place in the universe. It has also led to advances in science and technology. For example, the development of the GPS system was a direct result of space exploration."

Accepted Answer

Space exploration has provided valuable insights and advancements.

Answer

Space exploration has led to advances in technology.

Answer

Space exploration is important for science.