OSSLT Understanding Supporting Details 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A reader encounters a paragraph with four sentences. Three discuss the dangers of texting while driving; one discusses the history of the automobile. The sentence about automobile history is BEST described as:
- A strong supporting detail for the paragraph's main idea.
- An irrelevant detail that does not support the paragraph's focus. (Correct answer)
- The topic sentence of the paragraph.
- A conclusion that wraps up the main idea.
Correct answer: An irrelevant detail that does not support the paragraph's focus.
A detail is only a supporting detail if it relates to and develops the paragraph's main idea; the automobile history sentence does not.
Question 2: Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between a main idea and its supporting details?
- Supporting details are more important than the main idea.
- The main idea is a broad claim, and supporting details provide specific evidence for it. (Correct answer)
- Supporting details can contradict the main idea if the author wishes.
- The main idea and supporting details are always stated in the same sentence.
Correct answer: The main idea is a broad claim, and supporting details provide specific evidence for it.
A main idea is the broad central point, while supporting details are the specific facts, examples, or reasons that back it up.
Question 3: A graphic organizer shows a central oval labeled 'Benefits of Reading' with three surrounding ovals. What should the surrounding ovals contain?
- Other unrelated topics for further study.
- Supporting details such as 'improves vocabulary,' 'reduces stress,' and 'builds empathy.' (Correct answer)
- The author's biography and credentials.
- A list of books the author recommends.
Correct answer: Supporting details such as 'improves vocabulary,' 'reduces stress,' and 'builds empathy.'
In a web graphic organizer, the surrounding ovals should contain supporting details that develop or explain the central idea.
Question 4: An OSSLT informational passage states that physical education (PE) improves student focus. Which example is a MINOR supporting detail rather than a MAJOR one?
- Students who take daily PE classes show improved attention in math and science.
- A 10-year study of 2,000 students linked PE participation to higher GPA.
- One school reported that PE classes are held in the gymnasium. (Correct answer)
- Research shows aerobic exercise increases blood flow to the brain, improving concentration.
Correct answer: One school reported that PE classes are held in the gymnasium.
The location of PE classes is a minor, incidental fact that does not meaningfully support the claim that PE improves focus.
Question 5: Why do authors sometimes use numbered lists in non-fiction texts?
- To confuse readers about which idea is most important.
- To organize multiple supporting details clearly so readers can identify each point. (Correct answer)
- To replace the need for a main idea in the passage.
- To show that the details are in random order.
Correct answer: To organize multiple supporting details clearly so readers can identify each point.
Numbered lists help authors present multiple supporting details in a structured, readable format.
Question 6: A passage about the importance of breakfast includes the detail: 'Students who eat breakfast are 20% more likely to achieve passing grades.' This detail supports which type of main idea?
- Breakfast is enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.
- Eating breakfast has a measurable positive effect on student academic performance. (Correct answer)
- Schools should start serving breakfast to reduce food costs.
- Nutritionists study eating habits as part of their career.
Correct answer: Eating breakfast has a measurable positive effect on student academic performance.
The statistic about grades directly supports the idea that breakfast positively affects academic performance.
Question 7: When a reader summarizes a paragraph, which elements should be LEFT OUT of the summary?
- The main idea and the most important supporting details.
- Minor supporting details, examples used only for illustration, and repeated information. (Correct answer)
- The author's central argument.
- Key facts that directly prove the main point.
Correct answer: Minor supporting details, examples used only for illustration, and repeated information.
Summaries include main ideas and key supporting details, but omit minor details and illustrative examples that are not essential.
OSSLT Understanding Supporting Details 4
A reader encounters a paragraph with four sentences.
Three discuss the dangers of texting while driving; one discusses the history of the automobile.
The sentence about automobile history is BEST described as: