Problem:
The task is to identify and fill in the
supporting details that explain the
main idea:
> *"Hippos spend most of their day in the water."*
We are given a passage about hippos, and we need to extract
three supporting details that help explain why or how hippos spend most of their day in the water.
---
Step-by-Step Solution:
1.
Understand the Main Idea:
The main idea is clearly stated: *Hippos spend most of their day in the water.*
Supporting details are facts that
explain, expand on, or justify this main idea.
2.
Read the Passage Carefully and Identify Key Facts:
Let's go through the passage and pick out sentences that support the main idea:
- *"Hippos need to be in the water because their skin can dry out easily."*
→ This explains
why they stay in water (to prevent drying out).
✔
- *"Hippos have special adaptations so they can be in the water all day. Their eyes, ears, and nostrils are on the top of their heads, so they can see, hear, and breathe when their bodies are underwater."*
→ This shows
how they are adapted to live in water.
✔
- *"When a hippo goes underwater, it can stay there for five minutes or more!"*
→ This supports their ability to stay submerged, reinforcing their aquatic lifestyle.
✔
- *"Even though hippos spend most of their day in the water, they can’t swim or float. They actually walk or bounce along the bottom of the river."*
→ This gives insight into how they move in water, which supports their daily behavior.
✔
- *"Hippos need water and rivers in order to survive."*
→ This is a strong reason for spending time in water.
✔
3.
Select the Best 3 Supporting Details:
We need
three key supporting details that best explain the main idea. Choose the most direct and informative ones:
-
Detail 1: Hippos need to be in the water because their skin can dry out easily.
*(Reason: Explains necessity — survival reason)*
-
Detail 2: Hippos have special adaptations like eyes, ears, and nostrils on top of their heads so they can see, hear, and breathe while underwater.
*(Reason: Shows physical adaptation enabling aquatic life)*
-
Detail 3: Hippos can stay underwater for five minutes or more and walk or bounce along the river bottom.
*(Reason: Describes behavior and capability in water)*
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✔ Final Answer – Fill in the Supporting Detail Boxes:
Supporting Detail 1:
*Hippos need to be in the water because their skin can dry out easily.*
Supporting Detail 2:
*Hippos have special adaptations—eyes, ears, and nostrils on top of their heads—so they can see, hear, and breathe while underwater.*
Supporting Detail 3:
*Hippos can stay underwater for five minutes or more and walk or bounce along the bottom of the river.*
---
🔍 Explanation:
These three details directly support the
main idea by explaining:
-
Why hippos must stay in water (skin protection),
-
How they are adapted to live in water (body structure),
-
What they do in the water (movement and endurance).
This makes the main idea clear, logical, and well-supported.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of finding the main idea worksheet 2nd grade nonfiction.
