Main Idea and Supporting Details
Story:
Josh is a great football player. He practises every day after school. Josh plays for his school's football team. This year, he has scored six goals. Josh can kick the ball very far. He can also run very fast with the ball.
---
Step-by-Step Explanation:
####
1. What is the main idea?
The
main idea is the most important point the author wants to convey. In this case, the first sentence tells us directly:
> *"Josh is a great football player."*
This is the central idea of the story. All the other sentences give reasons or examples that support why Josh is a great football player.
✔ So, the
main idea is:
Josh is a great football player.
---
####
2. What are two supporting details?
Supporting details are facts or examples that help explain or prove the main idea. Let’s look at the sentences in the story:
- "He practises every day after school." → Shows dedication and effort.
- "Josh plays for his school's football team." → Shows he is part of an official team.
- "This year, he has scored six goals." → Shows skill and success.
- "Josh can kick the ball very far." → Highlights a specific talent.
- "He can also run very fast with the ball." → Another example of skill.
We need
two details that support the main idea. Any two of these would work well.
Let’s pick:
1.
He practises every day after school.
→ This shows hard work, which helps explain why he’s great.
2.
This year, he has scored six goals.
→ This shows success on the field, proving his skill.
(Alternatively, you could use: "Josh can kick the ball very far" or "He can run very fast with the ball.")
---
✔ Final Answers:
Write the main idea of the story.
Josh is a great football player.
Write 2 details that support the main idea.
1)
He practises every day after school.
2)
This year, he has scored six goals.
These answers clearly show understanding of the main idea and how the supporting details back it up.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of main idea and details worksheet 3rd grade.
