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Main Idea and Supporting Details

Grade 3 · English Language Arts · Reading Comprehension · Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Lesson Summary

The main idea is what a passage is mostly about. Supporting details give more information about that idea.

Explanation

Think of the main idea as the big umbrella that covers everything in a paragraph. The supporting details are the smaller points underneath. To find the main idea, ask yourself: what is this mostly about? Then look for sentences that give facts, examples, or reasons that back up that main point. The main idea is often stated in the first or last sentence of a paragraph.

Practice Questions

Q1: A paragraph talks about how dogs can be trained to help people who are blind, deaf, or in wheelchairs. What might the main idea be?
Answer: Dogs can be trained to help people with disabilities.
Q2: What is a supporting detail?
Answer: A fact, example, or reason that gives more information about the main idea.
Q3: Where is the main idea often found in a paragraph?
Answer: In the first or last sentence.
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People Also Ask

What is Main Idea and Supporting Details in Grade 3 English Language Arts?+

Main Idea and Supporting Details is a lesson in the Reading Comprehension chapter of Grade 3 English Language Arts. It is part of the Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada school curriculum and covers key concepts that students need to understand at this level.

What grade level covers Main Idea and Supporting Details?+

Main Idea and Supporting Details is taught in Grade 3 as part of the English Language Arts curriculum in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

How can I help my child with Reading Comprehension in English Language Arts?+

Start with the lesson summary and explanation on this page. Practice the questions provided, then use TutorTom for personalized, step-by-step help with Reading Comprehension topics.

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