Supporting Detail
Supporting details are pieces of information that clarify, explain, or prove the main idea of a text. They provide specific evidence or examples to support the main point or argument.
Types of Supporting Details
There are several types of supporting details:
- Facts: Information that can be proven to be true.
- Examples: Specific instances that illustrate a point.
- Statistics: Numerical data that supports a claim.
- Quotations: Direct words from a source that support an argument.
- Anecdotes: Personal stories or experiences that relate to the main idea.
Identifying Supporting Details
To identify supporting details in a text, look for sentences or phrases that provide evidence, examples, or explanations for the main idea. Supporting details often answer the questions "how," "why," "when," or "what." They help to strengthen the main point and make it more convincing.
Study Tips
When analyzing a text for supporting details, consider the following tips:
- Look for specific examples or evidence that back up the main idea.
- Pay attention to words such as "for example," "specifically," "in fact," or "furthermore," which signal the presence of supporting details.
- Consider the relevance and credibility of the supporting details in relation to the main idea.
- Take notes on the supporting details to better understand how they contribute to the overall argument or point of the text.
[Supporting Detail] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:
.◂English Language Arts Worksheets and Study Guides Fifth Grade. Supporting Detail
Study Guide
Supporting Detail 
Activity Lesson
The Enchanted Marble Activity Lesson
Chili Chicken House Flyer Activity Lesson
Train Timetable Activity Lesson
Supermarket Shopping Receipt Activity Lesson
Discount Bowling Voucher Worksheet/Answer key
Supporting Detail Worksheet/Answer key
Supporting Detail Worksheet/Answer key
Supporting Detail Worksheet/Answer key
Web of Details Worksheet/Answer key
Window Frame Worksheet/Answer key
Wheels About
Activity LessonActivity LessonActivity LessonActivity LessonActivity LessonWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
Reading Standards for Informational Text
Key Ideas and Details
Determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by key details; summarize the text. [RI.5.2]
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text, identifying which reasons and evidence support which point(s). [RI.5.8]
Writing Standards
Research to Build and Present Knowledge
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. [W.5.9]
Apply Grade 5 Reading standards to literature (e.g., “Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or a drama, drawing on specific details in the text [e.g., how characters interact]”). [W.5.9a]
Apply Grade 5 Reading standards to informational texts (e.g., “Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text, identifying which reasons and evidence support which point[s]”). [W.5.9b]