Reading Comprehension Supporting Details and Evidence

Question 1

A main idea states: 'Regular exercise improves mental health.' Which sentence is a supporting detail?

Accepted Answer

Studies show that aerobic activity reduces symptoms of depression

Answer

The fact that aerobic activity reduces depression symptoms directly supports the claim that exercise improves mental health.

Question 2

What is the PRIMARY purpose of a supporting detail in a passage?

Accepted Answer

To provide evidence or examples that strengthen the main idea

Answer

Supporting details exist to reinforce, explain, or prove the main idea with concrete information.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a FACT used as supporting evidence?

Accepted Answer

Recycling one ton of paper saves approximately 17 trees

Answer

A specific, verifiable statistic (17 trees per ton of paper) qualifies as a factual supporting detail.

Question 4

A student wants to support the claim that 'The US has a high rate of pet ownership.' Which evidence is MOST relevant?

Accepted Answer

According to a 2023 survey, 66% of US households own at least one pet

Answer

A specific US statistic directly and relevantly supports the claim about US pet ownership rates.

Question 5

Which word BEST signals that an author is about to provide a supporting example?

Accepted Answer

For instance

Answer

'For instance' is a classic signal phrase that introduces an example used to illustrate or support a point.

Reading Comprehension Practice Test