Main Idea and Supporting Details: Master the Art of Text Comprehension

Question 1

What's the most important message or central point that a text conveys?

Accepted Answer

The main idea of the text

Answer

The author's opinion on a topic

Answer

A summary of the supporting evidence

Question 2

To find the main idea of a text, which strategy is most effective?

Accepted Answer

Finding the topic sentence

Answer

Reading the first and last paragraphs quickly

Answer

Identifying the idea that appears most often

Question 3

How does the main idea influence the selection of supporting details in a text?

Accepted Answer

The main idea guides the choice of relevant supporting details.

Answer

The main idea is simply repeated in different ways.

Answer

The main idea is unrelated to the supporting details.

Question 4

Which detail below does NOT support the main idea that **smoking is a serious public health concern**?

Accepted Answer

Smoking improves physical performance.

Answer

Secondhand smoke harms non-smokers.

Answer

Smoking increases the risk of heart disease.

Answer

Smoking causes lung cancer.

Question 5

Identify the statement that best restates the following main idea: **Effective leadership is crucial for organizational success.**

Accepted Answer

Strong leadership is essential for an organization to thrive.

Answer

Technology is key to organizational success.

Answer

Employees are the most important asset of an organization.

Question 6

Which of the following is a supporting detail for the main idea that **physical activity is essential for good health**?

Accepted Answer

Regular exercise reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

Answer

Hydration is important during exercise.

Answer

Exercise can be enjoyable.

Question 7

Which statement best rephrases the following main idea: **Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives.**

Accepted Answer

Modern society relies heavily on technology for various aspects of life.

Answer

Technology is advancing rapidly.

Answer

Artificial intelligence is the future of technology.

Question 8

What determines the effectiveness of supporting details in a text?

Accepted Answer

How well each supporting detail supports the main idea

Answer

The number of supporting details

Answer

The length of the supporting details

Question 9

Which sentence is NOT a supporting detail for the main idea: **The sun is essential to our solar system, providing light, heat, and energy for life on Earth.**?

Accepted Answer

The Earth is a planet.

Answer

The sun emits energy through nuclear fusion.

Answer

The sun's energy is essential for life on Earth.

Answer

The sun is a giant ball of hot gas.

Question 10

Which sentence is NOT a supporting detail for the main idea: **Climate change, primarily caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases, is a pressing global issue.**?

Accepted Answer

Climate change is a hoax.

Answer

Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, release greenhouse gases.

Answer

Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere.

Question 11

Which of the following is the best definition of the main idea of a text?

Accepted Answer

The central message or idea that the text conveys

Answer

A specific fact or detail mentioned in the text

Answer

A personal opinion or interpretation of the text

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

A statement that contradicts the main idea

Answer

A statistic that relates to the main idea

Answer

A quote from the text that supports the main idea

Answer

A fact that provides evidence for the main idea

Question 13

Which of the following best identifies the supporting details in the sentence: 'The car was sleek, shiny, and crimson.'?

Accepted Answer

Sleek, shiny, crimson

Answer

Shiny and crimson

Answer

Car, was, and

Answer

Sleek and shiny

Question 14

Which of the following questions is most helpful for identifying the main idea of a text?

Accepted Answer

What is the author's main point?

Answer

What are the main events in the text?

Answer

What is the topic of the text?

Answer

Who are the characters in the text?

Question 15

Which of the following is an important characteristic of a good supporting detail?

Accepted Answer

It is relevant to the main idea

Answer

It is interesting to read

Answer

It is easy to understand

Question 16

Which of the following best summarizes the main idea of a text about the history of computers?

Accepted Answer

Computers have evolved dramatically over time, transforming from simple machines to powerful tools that have revolutionized modern life.

Answer

The first computers were invented in the 19th century

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of identifying the main idea of a text?

Accepted Answer

It makes it easier to forget what you read

Answer

It allows you to make connections between different pieces of information

Answer

It helps you follow the author's line of reasoning

Question 18

The main idea of a text is the:

Accepted Answer

Central message or overarching concept

Answer

Opinion or interpretation of the author

Answer

Specific detail or piece of evidence

Question 19

Identify the main idea of this paragraph: 'Social media platforms have become widely used by people of various ages to communicate, share information, and express themselves.'

Accepted Answer

Prevalence of social media and its impact on society

Answer

Benefits of using social media

Answer

History of social media development

Answer

Privacy concerns related to social media

Question 20

Which sentence is the strongest supporting detail for the claim: 'Exercise can enhance brain function'?

Accepted Answer

Research shows that regular exercise increases blood flow to the brain, leading to improved cognitive abilities and memory.

Answer

Many people who exercise regularly report feeling more alert and focused.

Question 21

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

Accepted Answer

Read the entire text, paying attention to key points and the overall message.

Answer

Identify the most frequently used words or phrases

Answer

Focus only on the first sentence

Question 22

When writing a supporting detail for a claim, it's crucial to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure it's relevant to the claim and provides evidence or examples to support it.

Answer

Use a persuasive tone

Answer

Include as many details as possible

Question 23

A characteristic of a well-written MCQ on Main Idea and Supporting Details is:

Accepted Answer

Clear and concise question that assesses a specific skill or concept

Answer

Excessive number of distractors

Answer

Complex and ambiguous language

Question 24

Identify the supporting detail for the main idea 'Technology has transformed communication':

Accepted Answer

The internet enables us to connect with people worldwide instantly.

Answer

Technology is constantly evolving.

Answer

Communication is more efficient and convenient now.

Question 25

The most common cognitive level assessed in MCQs on Main Idea and Supporting Details is:

Accepted Answer

Comprehension

Answer

Analysis

Answer

Evaluation

Answer

Knowledge

Question 26

Select the sentence that best expresses the main idea of this passage: The main character in the story overcame many obstacles to achieve their goal.

Accepted Answer

The main character in the story overcame many obstacles to achieve their goal.

Answer

The story is set in a time of great change.

Answer

The author used vivid language to create a realistic setting.

Question 27

Which of the following supporting details demonstrates the author's purpose was to entertain the reader?

Accepted Answer

The author used humor and lighthearted anecdotes.

Answer

The author raised important questions about society.

Answer

The author provided facts and statistics.

Question 28

Identify the main idea of the second paragraph: The company's recent financial report revealed a decline in sales and an increase in expenses.

Accepted Answer

The company is facing financial challenges.

Answer

The company is planning to launch a new product.

Answer

The company is expanding its operations.

Question 29

Which sentence does NOT support the main idea that technology has had a positive impact on education?

Accepted Answer

Some argue that technology distracts students and hinders their learning.

Answer

Technology allows for personalized learning experiences.

Answer

Technology provides students with access to a vast amount of information.

Question 30

Select the sentence that best represents the main idea of the following passage: The use of artificial intelligence in various industries has sparked both optimism and concern.

Accepted Answer

The use of artificial intelligence has mixed implications for different industries.

Answer

Artificial intelligence is a threat to humanity.

Answer

Artificial intelligence is a revolutionary technology.

Question 31

Which of the following provides evidence that the character in the story possesses courage?

Accepted Answer

The character confronted the villain despite the danger.

Answer

The character is intelligent and resourceful.

Answer

The character received help from others.

Answer

The character is physically strong.

Question 32

What is the central message of this poem: I wander through the forest, Surrounded by towering trees. The birds sing sweetly above me, A symphony of nature's melodies.

Accepted Answer

The speaker finds solace and inspiration in nature.

Answer

The speaker is lonely and isolated.

Answer

The forest is a place of mystery and danger.

Question 33

Which sentence does NOT support the main idea that the historical figure was a great leader?

Accepted Answer

The figure made several unwise decisions that led to defeat.

Answer

The figure inspired their people to achieve great things.

Answer

The figure's legacy continues to inspire people today.

Answer

The figure possessed strong leadership qualities and charisma.

Question 34

Identify the main idea of this play: Two families from different backgrounds find themselves in a bitter feud, resulting in tragedy.

Accepted Answer

Love and hate can have devastating consequences.

Answer

Family loyalty is unbreakable.

Answer

Revenge is a destructive force.

Question 35

Which sentence best expresses the main idea of the following paragraph?

Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are becoming increasingly important as we face the challenges of climate change. These sources are not only cleaner for the environment but also provide a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels.

Accepted Answer

Renewable energy sources offer significant benefits in addressing climate change.

Answer

Fossil fuels will eventually run out.

Answer

Solar power is the most promising renewable energy source.

Question 36

Which sentence from the paragraph is a supporting detail for the main idea that the internet has changed education?

The internet has had a profound impact on education. In the past, students were limited to learning from textbooks and classroom lectures. Today, students can access a vast amount of information online, including interactive simulations, educational videos, and online courses. The internet has made it possible for students to learn anywhere, anytime.

Accepted Answer

Today, students can access a vast amount of information online, including interactive simulations, educational videos, and online courses.

Answer

The internet has made it easier for students to collaborate.

Answer

Students no longer need to attend school to learn.

Question 37

What is a misconception about the main idea of a text?

Accepted Answer

The main idea is always stated directly in the text.

Answer

The main idea is always the most important idea in the text.

Answer

The main idea can be different for different readers.

Question 38

What is the best way to find the main idea of a text?

Accepted Answer

Read the whole text and look for the most important point.

Answer

Read only the first part.

Answer

Read only the last part.

Question 39

Which of these is NOT a supporting detail?

Accepted Answer

A personal opinion about the topic.

Answer

A fact about the topic.

Answer

An example that explains the topic.

Answer

A quote from someone about the topic.

Question 40

What is the main idea of this text: 'The Amazon rainforest is home to the greatest number of plant and animal species on Earth. It plays a vital role in regulating the global climate and providing livelihoods for millions of people.'

Accepted Answer

The Amazon rainforest is an important ecosystem that's very diverse and helps the whole planet.

Answer

The Amazon rainforest is a large and diverse ecosystem.

Question 41

Which sentence does NOT support the idea that 'social media is harmful to mental health'?

Accepted Answer

Social media can be a place for people to connect and help each other.

Answer

Social media can make people feel more anxious and sad.

Answer

Social media can make people feel bad about how they look.

Question 42

What is the purpose of supporting details in a text?

Accepted Answer

To give proof and explain the main idea.

Answer

To confuse the reader about the main idea.

Answer

To talk about new things that aren't related to the main idea.

Question 43

Read this paragraph: 'The internet has changed how we communicate, learn, and shop. It has also made a big difference in how we work. Many jobs now need people to be good with computers, and even those who don't use computers directly can benefit from using the internet to find information and talk to clients or colleagues.' Which sentence is the main idea of this paragraph?

Accepted Answer

The internet has had a big impact on many parts of our lives, including how we talk to each other, learn, shop, and work.

Answer

The internet has changed how we communicate.

Question 44

Which of these is NOT a good thing about using supporting details in a text?

Accepted Answer

It can make the reader confused.

Answer

It can make the text more interesting.

Answer

It can make the text more convincing.

Answer

It can help the reader understand the main idea.

Question 45

The sentence 'an estimated 10% of the world's known species' is a type of supporting detail called a...

Accepted Answer

Statistic

Answer

Quote

Answer

Example

Answer

Fact

Question 46

The paragraph says the Amazon rainforest is important. Which sentence gives a reason why this is true?

Accepted Answer

The rainforest is home to an estimated 10% of the world's known species.

Answer

The rainforest is located in South America.

Answer

The rainforest is a major tourist destination.

Question 47

Which sentence best describes the main idea of a paragraph about the good things exercise does for you?

Accepted Answer

Exercise offers numerous physical and mental benefits.

Answer

Exercise can improve your mood.

Answer

Exercise can help you lose weight.

Question 48

Which sentence is a good reason why the American Civil War happened?

Accepted Answer

The election of Abraham Lincoln as president in 1860.

Answer

The popularity of abolitionist literature.

Answer

The invention of the cotton gin.

Question 49

The paragraph says the Great Barrier Reef has lots of different living things. Which sentence supports this idea?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

The Great Barrier Reef is a popular tourist destination.

Answer

The Great Barrier Reef is located in the Pacific Ocean.

Question 50

Which sentence tells an important fact about how cars were invented?

Accepted Answer

The invention of the internal combustion engine.

Answer

The use of gasoline as a fuel.

Answer

The development of the assembly line.

Answer

The rise of suburbs.

Question 51

Read the following text:

Climate change is a major threat to our planet. It is causing sea levels to rise, glaciers to melt, and extreme weather events to become more frequent.

Which of the following statements is a supporting detail for the main idea that climate change is a serious problem?

Accepted Answer

Climate change is causing sea levels to rise.

Answer

Climate change is only affecting certain parts of the world.

Answer

Climate change is a natural phenomenon.

Answer

Climate change is not a major concern for most people.

Question 52

Which of the following is the best main idea for a paragraph about the benefits of reading?

Accepted Answer

Reading offers numerous cognitive, emotional, and social benefits.

Answer

Reading can help you learn new things.

Answer

Reading can improve your vocabulary.