Supporting Details and Evidence Flashcards
6 cards from real Reading Comprehension practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Supporting Details and Evidence flashcards as text
What does it mean when a reader says a detail is 'irrelevant' to the main idea?
Answer: The detail does not directly support or explain the main idea
An irrelevant detail may be true but fails to connect to or support what the main idea is asserting.
Which of the following BEST describes an anecdote used as supporting evidence?
Answer: A short personal story that illustrates a point
An anecdote is a brief, personal or narrative example used to make a point more relatable and concrete.
A student reads: 'Volunteering builds community; for example, local food banks rely on 500 regular volunteers.' The phrase 'for example' signals that the following clause is a:
Answer: Supporting detail
'For example' directly introduces a specific instance that supports the preceding general statement.
When an author supports a main idea with statistics, expert quotes, AND real-world examples, the argument is generally considered:
Answer: Stronger because multiple types of evidence reinforce the claim
Combining multiple forms of evidence—statistics, expert testimony, and examples—creates a more well-rounded and persuasive argument.
A passage about ocean pollution includes the sentence: 'Sharks are fascinating predators.' This sentence is MOST likely:
Answer: An irrelevant detail that does not support the passage's focus
A fact about sharks as predators does not connect to ocean pollution, making it an irrelevant detail in that context.
Why is it important to distinguish between a main idea and its supporting details?
Answer: It allows readers to understand the hierarchy of information and the author's argument
Distinguishing main ideas from supporting details reveals the logical structure of the argument and shows how evidence builds the author's case.