Main Idea and Supporting Details: Practice Quizzes for 4th Grade Reading

Question 1

What is the main idea of a paragraph that describes the different stages of a butterfly's life?

Accepted Answer

The life cycle of a butterfly has four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Answer

Butterflies are colorful insects that can fly.

Answer

Butterflies help plants grow by pollinating them.

Answer

Butterflies can be found in many different places around the world.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a good detail to support the main idea that "The ocean is a vast and mysterious place"?

Accepted Answer

The ocean is a good place to go swimming

Answer

The ocean covers most of the Earth

Answer

The deepest part of the ocean is very deep

Answer

There are many animals that live in the ocean that we don't know about

Question 3

The best main idea for a text about the telephone's history is:

Accepted Answer

The telephone has revolutionized communication.

Answer

Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone.

Answer

The telephone is widely used globally.

Answer

The telephone is a significant invention.

Question 4

What is the main supporting detail for the main idea: 'Playing video games is educational'?

Accepted Answer

Video games enhance problem-solving skills.

Answer

Video games sharpen hand-eye coordination.

Answer

Video games offer a fun way to learn.

Answer

Video games foster teamwork skills.

Question 5

Which text best shows the use of supporting details?

Accepted Answer

Text B: Pizza is delicious; it has a crispy crust, flavorful sauce, and gooey cheese.

Answer

Text A: Pizza is delicious.

Answer

Text C: Pizza contains flour, water, yeast, and tomatoes.

Answer

Text D: Pizza is commonly eaten in the U.S.

Question 6

Which is NOT a supporting detail for the main idea: 'Recycling is important'?

Accepted Answer

Recycling requires effort.

Answer

Recycling conserves natural resources.

Answer

Recycling reduces pollution.

Answer

Recycling creates jobs.

Question 7

What is the main idea of this text: 'The Great Wall of China is the longest wall, built over centuries to protect China from invaders.'

Accepted Answer

The Great Wall of China was built for protection.

Answer

The Great Wall of China is long.

Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 8

Which sentence is the best evidence to support the main idea that the main character is brave?

Accepted Answer

The main character stood up to the bully.

Answer

The main character ran away from the danger.

Answer

The main character cried when he got scared.

Answer

The main character hid behind his mother.

Question 9

Which of the following is a supporting detail for the main idea that tornadoes can be very destructive?

Accepted Answer

Tornadoes can lift cars and buildings into the air.

Answer

Tornadoes are caused by rising warm air.

Answer

Tornadoes form over land.

Answer

Tornadoes are often accompanied by hail and lightning.

Question 10

To find the main idea of a text, it's best to:

Accepted Answer

Read the entire text and look for key details.

Answer

Read only the first sentence of each paragraph.

Answer

Read only the title and last sentence.

Answer

Ask someone to tell you what it is.

Question 11

Read this sentence: 'The dog wagged its tail happily.' What is the main idea of this sentence?

Accepted Answer

The dog is happy.

Answer

The dog is a pet.

Answer

The dog is wagging its tail.

Answer

Dogs are animals.

Question 12

Which of these is NOT a characteristic of a good supporting detail?

Accepted Answer

It's not related to the topic.

Answer

It's related to the main idea.

Answer

It gives specific information.

Answer

It's written clearly and simply.

Question 13

Which of these is NOT a type of supporting detail?

Accepted Answer

Opinions

Answer

Examples

Answer

Facts

Answer

Statistics

Question 14

What was the main purpose of building the Great Wall of China?

Accepted Answer

To protect China from invaders

Answer

To attract tourists

Answer

To become a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Answer

To create a long walking path

Question 15

In the sentence 'Running is a great way to exercise because it is low-impact', what is the supporting detail?

Accepted Answer

It is a low-impact activity

Answer

Running is a great way to exercise

Answer

It is easy on the joints

Question 16

What is a supporting detail?

Accepted Answer

A sentence that provides evidence for the main idea.

Answer

A sentence that states the main idea.

Answer

A sentence that summarizes the text.

Answer

A sentence that introduces the topic of the text.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a good supporting detail for the main idea: 'Exercise is important for good health.'?

Accepted Answer

Exercise can help to reduce stress.

Answer

Exercise helps to improve cardiovascular health.

Answer

Exercise helps to strengthen muscles.

Answer

Exercise can help to improve sleep.

Question 18

What is the purpose of using supporting details in a text?

Accepted Answer

To provide evidence for the main idea.

Answer

To make the text more interesting.

Answer

To summarize the main idea.

Answer

To introduce the topic of the text.

Question 19

What is the relationship between the main idea and the supporting details?

Accepted Answer

The supporting details explain the main idea.

Answer

The main idea supports the supporting details.

Answer

The supporting details are unrelated to the main idea.

Answer

The main idea and supporting details are interchangeable.

Question 20

Which of the following is a text structure that typically uses a main idea and supporting details?

Accepted Answer

Expository

Answer

Narrative

Answer

Persuasive

Answer

Descriptive

Question 21

If you are having trouble identifying the main idea of a text, you should:

Accepted Answer

Reread the text and focus on the most important sentences.

Answer

Skip to the next paragraph.

Answer

Guess what the main idea might be.

Answer

Read only the first and last paragraphs.

Question 22

In a text, the main idea is:

Accepted Answer

The most important message or purpose

Answer

The first sentence of the text

Answer

The last sentence of the text

Answer

The title of the text

Question 23

Which sentence supports the main idea that dinosaurs were giant reptiles?

Accepted Answer

Dinosaurs had scales and laid eggs.

Answer

Dinosaurs lived millions of years ago.

Answer

Dinosaurs were the largest animals to ever walk the Earth.

Answer

Dinosaurs went extinct 65 million years ago.

Question 24

What is a key characteristic of dinosaurs?

Accepted Answer

They all laid eggs.

Answer

They were all carnivores.

Answer

They all had feathers.

Answer

They all lived in the same time period.

Question 25

Which is NOT a good way to find the main idea of a text?

Accepted Answer

Guess based on the first sentence

Answer

Identify topic sentences

Answer

Look at the title and headings

Answer

Read the entire text and summarize

Question 26

The main idea of a paragraph about the history of computers is:

Accepted Answer

Computers have changed over time.

Answer

The first computers were very large.

Answer

Computers are now used everywhere.

Answer

Computers have made our lives easier.

Question 27

Which sentence provides the most specific information about the main idea of a text?

Accepted Answer

The text explains how animals adapt to their surroundings.

Answer

The text is about animals.

Answer

The text describes different animal types.

Answer

The text provides facts about the significance of animals.

Question 28

What is the best way to get better at finding the main idea?

Accepted Answer

Read a lot and practice finding the main idea.

Answer

Memorize a list of common main ideas.

Answer

Only read texts that you're already interested in.

Answer

Focus on finding the most interesting parts of the text.

Question 29

The main idea of a text is:

Accepted Answer

The key message the author wants to convey

Answer

The facts and examples that support the main idea

Answer

The structure of the text

Answer

The author's opinion

Question 30

Which of the following is an example of a supporting detail?

Accepted Answer

Evidence that supports the main idea

Answer

The main topic of the text

Answer

A conclusion drawn by the author

Answer

A character's viewpoint

Question 31

Which sentence best supports this main idea: 'Dinosaurs were remarkably diverse animals'?

Accepted Answer

Dinosaurs came in a wide range of sizes, from tiny to enormous.

Answer

Dinosaurs evolved from reptiles over millions of years.

Answer

Dinosaurs lived in various habitats, including forests, deserts, and swamps.

Question 32

What is the main idea of this passage: 'The Amazon rainforest, located in South America, is the largest rainforest on Earth. It covers an area of over 5.5 million square kilometers and is home to an astonishing variety of plant and animal life. The rainforest is also home to several indigenous communities.'

Accepted Answer

The Amazon rainforest is an incredibly rich and diverse ecosystem.

Answer

The Amazon rainforest is facing threats from deforestation and climate change.

Answer

The Amazon rainforest is home to many indigenous communities.

Question 33

What is the main idea of this paragraph: 'Tornadoes are violent and destructive storms that can cause widespread damage. However, tornadoes can also have some positive effects. For instance, they can help to remove old trees and debris, and they can create new habitats for plants and animals.'

Accepted Answer

Tornadoes are powerful storms with both destructive and beneficial impacts.

Answer

Tornadoes are formed in thunderstorm clouds.

Answer

Tornadoes can travel at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour.

Answer

Tornadoes are most common in the Great Plains of the United States.

Question 34

Which sentence provides the best supporting detail for this main idea: 'Social media can have both positive and negative effects on mental health'?

Accepted Answer

Social media use can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.

Answer

Social media can be a useful tool for education and information sharing.

Answer

Social media can help people connect with friends and family.

Question 35

What is the main idea of this passage: 'The Great Wall of China is an iconic landmark that is one of the most famous structures in the world. It was built over centuries to protect China from invaders. The wall is made of stone, brick, and earth, and it stretches for over 13,000 miles. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is visited by millions of tourists each year.'

Accepted Answer

The Great Wall of China is an extraordinary architectural marvel with historical and cultural significance.

Answer

The Great Wall of China is located in northern China.

Answer

The Great Wall of China is the longest wall in the world.

Question 36

What is the main idea of this paragraph: 'The Great Barrier Reef is the largest and most diverse coral reef system in the world. It stretches for over 2,300 kilometers along the coast of Australia and is home to an astonishing array of marine life. The reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is visited by millions of tourists each year.'

Accepted Answer

The Great Barrier Reef is a global natural treasure renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity.

Answer

The Great Barrier Reef is located in the Pacific Ocean.

Answer

The Great Barrier Reef is home to over 1,500 species of fish.

Question 37

Which sentence best expresses the main idea of this paragraph: 
The Amazon rainforest is known for its exceptional biodiversity. It is home to an estimated 10% of the world's known species, including many endangered species. The rainforest also plays a vital role in the global climate system, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

Accepted Answer

The Amazon rainforest is a vital and diverse ecosystem with global significance.

Answer

The Amazon rainforest is located in South America.

Answer

The Amazon rainforest covers an area of over 5.5 million square kilometers.

Question 38

Which sentence supports the main idea that exercise has numerous benefits for overall health?
 Exercise can improve cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and lungs.

Accepted Answer

Exercise can improve cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and lungs.

Answer

Exercise can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Answer

Exercise can help strengthen muscles and bones.

Answer

Exercise can help improve mood and reduce stress levels.

Question 39

Which sentence is NOT a supporting detail for the main idea that social media can be a valuable tool for staying connected with others?
 Social media allows you to communicate with friends and family who live far away.

Accepted Answer

Social media can be addictive and lead to excessive screen time.

Answer

Social media can help you stay updated on current events and news.

Answer

Social media can help you connect with new people who share your interests.

Answer

Social media allows you to share photos and videos with loved ones.

Question 40

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

Accepted Answer

Opinions

Answer

Facts

Answer

Statistics

Answer

Anecdotes

Question 41

What is the main idea of the paragraph?

The human body is made up of cells. Cells are the basic unit of life and perform all the functions necessary for life. Cells come in different shapes and sizes, and each type has a specific function.

Accepted Answer

The human body is made up of cells that perform all the functions necessary for life.

Answer

The human body is made up of trillions of cells.

Answer

Cells come in different shapes and sizes.

Question 42

Which sentence supports the main idea that dogs make great pets?
Dogs are loyal and affectionate.

Accepted Answer

Dogs are loyal and affectionate.

Answer

Dogs can be expensive to own.

Answer

Dogs need regular walks and feeding.

Question 43

Which sentence is NOT a supporting detail for the main idea that healthy eating is important?
Healthy eating can help maintain a healthy weight.

Accepted Answer

Healthy eating can save money.

Answer

Healthy eating can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Answer

Healthy eating can extend life.

Answer

Healthy eating can improve mood.

Question 44

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of exercise?
Reduced risk of chronic diseases

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of injury

Answer

Improved sleep

Answer

Improved mood

Answer

Weight loss

Question 45

Which sentence supports the main idea that dogs are intelligent?
Dogs have the ability to learn various tricks.

Accepted Answer

Dogs can be trained to perform a variety of tasks.

Answer

Dogs are loyal and affectionate.

Answer

Dogs require regular walks and feeding.

Answer

Dogs are expensive to own.