Reading Comprehension Supporting Details and Evidence 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A main idea states: 'Regular exercise improves mental health.' Which sentence is a supporting detail?
- Exercise can be expensive if you join a gym
- Studies show that aerobic activity reduces symptoms of depression (Correct answer)
- Many people prefer outdoor activities to indoor ones
- Exercise requires time and dedication
Correct answer: Studies show that aerobic activity reduces symptoms of depression
The fact that aerobic activity reduces depression symptoms directly supports the claim that exercise improves mental health.
Question 2: What is the PRIMARY purpose of a supporting detail in a passage?
- To introduce a new topic
- To provide evidence or examples that strengthen the main idea (Correct answer)
- To summarize the entire passage
- To contradict the author's argument
Correct answer: To provide evidence or examples that strengthen the main idea
Supporting details exist to reinforce, explain, or prove the main idea with concrete information.
Question 3: Which of the following is an example of a FACT used as supporting evidence?
- I believe recycling is important for everyone
- Recycling one ton of paper saves approximately 17 trees (Correct answer)
- Recycling programs should be expanded nationwide
- Most people do not recycle enough
Correct answer: Recycling one ton of paper saves approximately 17 trees
A specific, verifiable statistic (17 trees per ton of paper) qualifies as a factual supporting detail.
Question 4: A student wants to support the claim that 'The US has a high rate of pet ownership.' Which evidence is MOST relevant?
- Pets can be expensive to care for
- According to a 2023 survey, 66% of US households own at least one pet (Correct answer)
- Some people are allergic to animals
- Pet ownership has grown worldwide
Correct answer: According to a 2023 survey, 66% of US households own at least one pet
A specific US statistic directly and relevantly supports the claim about US pet ownership rates.
Question 5: Which word BEST signals that an author is about to provide a supporting example?
- However
- For instance (Correct answer)
- In contrast
- Therefore
Correct answer: For instance
'For instance' is a classic signal phrase that introduces an example used to illustrate or support a point.
Question 6: A passage argues that 'reading fiction builds empathy.' A supporting detail states: 'Readers of literary fiction scored higher on empathy tests in a Princeton University study.' What makes this an effective supporting detail?
- It comes from a prestigious university
- It is specific, measurable, and directly linked to the main claim (Correct answer)
- It is the longest sentence in the passage
- It uses difficult vocabulary
Correct answer: It is specific, measurable, and directly linked to the main claim
Effective supporting details are specific, measurable, and directly tied to the claim they are meant to prove.
