After the main idea, Next in the reading section of our ParaPro study guide is “supporting details.”
We’ll start by explaining the supporting details and end with quiz to test your understanding.
Understanding Supporting Details
Supporting details are specific pieces of information that explain, develop, or elaborate on the main idea. These provide evidence, examples, facts, and explanations that help readers understand the central point of a text.
In the Parapro exam, you may be asked to identify supporting details from a given paragraph. Most commonly, you’ll see a question such as, ‘Which details best support the claim that a led to b?’
Supporting Detail Characteristics
Supporting details work to strengthen, clarify, and explain the main idea of a paragraph or passage. They have follow characteristics
- Provide evidence for the author’s claims
- Give examples that illustrate the main point
- Offer statistics, facts, or data that support the central idea
- Present explanations that clarify complex concepts
- Add descriptions that help readers visualize or understand
It’s not necessary that supporting detail must have all these things. One of these things is enough to make it a supporting detail.
Types of Supporting Details
Facts
Information that can be proven true or verified
Example: “The Great Wall of China is over 13,000 miles long.”
Statistics
Numerical data that provides concrete evidence
Example: “According to the survey, 78% of students preferred digital textbooks.”
Examples
Specific instances that illustrate the main idea
Example: “For instance, Sarah practiced piano for two hours every day for a year.”
Anecdotes
Brief stories that illustrate a point
Example: “When John was a child, he once tried to make breakfast and ended up with eggs on the ceiling.”
Expert Opinions
Statements from authorities on the subject
Example: “According to Dr. Smith, a leading pediatrician, children need at least 9 hours of sleep.”
Descriptions
Sensory details that help readers visualize
Example: “The rusty gate creaked loudly as the wind pushed it back and forth.”
The Main Idea Vs. Supporting Details
| Main Idea | Supporting Details |
|---|---|
| The central point of the paragraph or passage | Specific information that develops the main idea |
| What the text is primarily about | Why, how, when, where, or what about the main idea |
| Usually stated in a topic sentence | Fill the body of the paragraph |
| Broad and general | Specific and concrete |
How to Identify Supporting Details
Here is a step-by-step guide to identify supporting details:
- Identify the main idea: Find what the paragraph or passage is primarily about
- Look for specific information: Search for facts, examples, or explanations
- Ask questions: Ask how, why, when, where, and what about the main idea
- Find signal words: Look for phrases like “for example,” “for instance,” “such as,” “including,” “specifically,” etc.
- Examine each sentence: Determine if it develops or supports the main idea
Signal words
- Examples: for example, for instance, to illustrate, such as, including
- Explanations: because, since, as a result, therefore, consequently
- Evidence: according to, research shows, statistics indicate, experts say
- Additional information: furthermore, additionally, moreover, also, in addition
- Clarification: in other words, that is, specifically, to clarify
Example 1: Passages with Supporting Details
Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages. Over 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed daily around the globe. In the United States alone, the average coffee drinker consumes 3 cups per day. Coffee is grown in over 50 countries, with Brazil being the largest producer, supplying about 40% of the world’s coffee beans. The coffee industry employs more than 125 million people worldwide, making it a significant part of the global economy.
Analysis the passage
- Main Idea: Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages.
- Supporting Details:
- 2.25 billion cups consumed daily worldwide
- Average U.S. coffee drinker consumes 3 cups per day
- Grown in over 50 countries
- Brazil produces about 40% of world’s coffee beans
- Coffee industry employs more than 125 million people
Example 2: Main Idea with Different Types of Support
Regular exercise provides numerous health benefits. According to the American Heart Association, just 30 minutes of moderate activity five days a week can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. For example, brisk walking, swimming, or cycling can strengthen your cardiovascular system. Dr. Jennifer Miller, a sports medicine specialist, explains that “exercise releases endorphins that improve mood and reduce stress.” Furthermore, a 2019 study found that people who exercise regularly have a 30% lower risk of depression compared to sedentary individuals. Even simple activities like taking the stairs instead of the elevator can contribute to better health over time.
Analysis the passage
- Main Idea: Regular exercise provides numerous health benefits.
- Supporting Details:
- Statistic: 30 minutes of moderate activity five days a week reduces heart disease risk
- Examples: Brisk walking, swimming, cycling
- Expert Opinion: Dr. Miller’s statement about endorphins
- Research Finding: 2019 study showing 30% lower depression risk
- Example: Taking stairs instead of elevator