OSSLT - Ontario Secondary School Literacy Understanding Supporting Details Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the following paragraph: 'The city's new recycling program has been a resounding success. In the first six months, the amount of recycled material collected increased by 40%. This increase is largely due to the distribution of new, larger recycling bins to all households, a comprehensive public awareness campaign, and the introduction of a bi-weekly collection schedule. A recent survey showed that 92% of residents are now actively participating in the program.' Which of the following is a supporting detail, not the main idea?
- The city distributed new, larger recycling bins to all households. (Correct answer)
- The city's new recycling program is successful.
- Most residents are participating in the new program.
- Recycling has a positive impact on the environment.
Correct answer: The city distributed new, larger recycling bins to all households.
The correct answer provides a specific reason or example that supports the main idea. The main idea is the overall success of the recycling program. The distribution of new bins is one specific action (a detail) that contributed to this success.
Question 2: A news report about a new community garden includes a quote from a local resident: 'I've met so many of my neighbors since I started volunteering here. It's wonderful to see people of all ages working together, sharing gardening tips, and just enjoying the sunshine.' What main idea does this resident's quote support?
- The garden is located in a sunny area.
- Volunteering at the garden requires a lot of work.
- The community garden helps build social connections. (Correct answer)
- People of all ages enjoy gardening.
Correct answer: The community garden helps build social connections.
The resident's quote provides specific examples (meeting neighbors, working together, sharing tips) that all point to the broader idea that the garden is fostering a sense of community and helping people connect with one another.
Question 3: Read this excerpt from a set of instructions: 'To assemble the bookcase, first, identify all parts using the diagram on page 2. Next, attach the side panels (A) to the bottom shelf (B) using the provided screws (C). Do not overtighten the screws. Finally, carefully slide the back panel (D) into the grooves on the side panels.' What is the purpose of the detail 'Do not overtighten the screws'?
- To suggest an alternative assembly method.
- To provide a precaution to prevent damage. (Correct answer)
- To indicate which part is the most important.
- To describe the appearance of the finished bookcase.
Correct answer: To provide a precaution to prevent damage.
This detail is a specific instruction that helps the user avoid a potential problem, such as stripping the screw or cracking the wood. It supports the overall goal of assembling the bookcase correctly and safely.
Question 4: An article argues that schools should start later in the morning for teenagers. Which of the following statements would best support this main idea?
- Many teenagers have after-school jobs or sports.
- School buses would have to run on a different schedule.
- Studies show that adolescent sleep cycles shift, making it hard for them to fall asleep early. (Correct answer)
- Some teachers prefer to start their workday early in the morning.
Correct answer: Studies show that adolescent sleep cycles shift, making it hard for them to fall asleep early.
This statement provides a scientific, factual reason that directly explains *why* a later start time would be beneficial for teenagers. It supports the main argument by linking it to the biological needs of adolescents.
Question 5: Read the following paragraph: 'The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, covering over 9 million square kilometers. Despite its arid conditions, it is home to a variety of specially adapted animals, such as the Fennec fox and the Addax antelope. The landscape is not uniform; it features vast sand seas, or ergs, as well as rocky plateaus and salt flats. Temperatures can be extreme, often exceeding 40°C during the day and dropping below freezing at night.' Which detail from the paragraph supports the idea that the Sahara's landscape is varied?
- It is the largest hot desert in the world.
- Temperatures can be extreme.
- It is home to animals like the Fennec fox.
- It features sand seas, rocky plateaus, and salt flats. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: It features sand seas, rocky plateaus, and salt flats.
The correct answer explicitly lists different types of geographical features found within the Sahara (sand seas, plateaus, salt flats), directly supporting the statement that the landscape is not uniform but varied.
Question 6: A passage describes the life of a famous musician. It mentions that she began playing piano at age three, composed her first song at age seven, and won a national competition at age twelve. What do these details primarily support?
- Her music was popular with a wide audience.
- She demonstrated remarkable musical talent from a very young age. (Correct answer)
- She had many different hobbies as a child.
- Winning competitions is the only way to become a famous musician.
Correct answer: She demonstrated remarkable musical talent from a very young age.
The specific details about her early accomplishments (playing piano at 3, composing at 7, winning a competition at 12) all serve as evidence to support the broader conclusion that she was a child prodigy with exceptional early talent.
OSSLT - Ontario Secondary School Literacy Understanding Supporting Details Questions and Answers
Read the following paragraph:
'The city's new recycling program has been a resounding success.
In the first six months, the amount of recycled material collected increased by 40%.
This increase is largely due to the distribution of new, larger recycling bins to all households, a comprehensive public awareness campaign, and the introduction of a bi-weekly collection schedule.
A recent survey showed that 92% of residents are now actively participating in the program.'
Which of the following is a supporting detail, not the main idea?