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 central point or message of the story. It tells us what the passage is mostly about.
In this case, the first sentence says: *"Josh is a great football player."*
All the other sentences give reasons why he is considered great — they support this idea.
✔ 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 prove or explain the main idea.
Let’s look at the rest of the paragraph:
- "He practises every day after school." → Shows dedication and effort.
- "This year, he has scored six goals." → Shows success in the game.
- "Josh can kick the ball very far." → Shows skill.
- "He can also run very fast with the ball." → Shows athleticism.
We need
two of these to support the main idea.
✔ Two good supporting details are:
1)
He practises every day after school.
→ This shows how hard he works to be good.
2)
This year, he has scored six goals.
→ This shows he is successful on the field.
(Alternatively, you could choose "Josh can kick the ball very far" or "He can run very fast with the ball" — both are valid.)
---
✔ 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.
---
💡 *Tip:* The main idea is usually found in the first sentence, and the rest of the paragraph gives evidence (supporting details).
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of topic main idea supporting details worksheet.
