English Language Arts
Grade 10
15 min
Identify supporting details in informational texts
Identify supporting details in informational texts
What you'll learn
- Identify at least three supporting details in a short informational text (200-300 words) with 80% accuracy.
- Explain how two or more supporting details from a given informational text help to prove the main idea, using complete sentences.
- Choose the best supporting detail from a set of four options that most directly supports a given main idea in an informational text.
- Select the strongest supporting detail from a list of four options that best supports a given main idea, justifying the choice in one sentence.
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Differentiate between a main idea and its supporting details in a complex informational text.
Categorize supporting details as facts, statistics, expert testimony, anecdotes, or examples.
Distinguish between explicit (directly stated) and implicit (implied) support for a claim.
Evaluate the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence provided to support an author's reasoning.
Analyze how an author strategically arranges reasons and evidence to build a persuasive argument.
Map the logical structure of an argument by outlining its central claim and key supporting details.
Have you ever tried to win a debate but couldn't find the right facts to back up your point? 🤔 Mastering the art of finding and using supporting details is your secret weapon.
Th...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Central Claim (Thesis)The main argument or primary point the author is trying to prove in an informational text. All other ideas in the text should connect back to this claim.In an article about renewable energy, the central claim might be: 'Transitioning to solar and wind power is the most effective strategy for combating climate change.'
Supporting DetailA piece of information used to prove, clarify, or explain the central claim. It is the evidence that gives the main idea credibility.To support the claim about renewable energy, a detail could be: 'A 2022 Stanford study found that a full transition to renewables could prevent 4-7 million premature deaths from air pollution annually.'
Explicit SupportEvidence that is directly and clearly stated i...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Hierarchy of Ideas
Central Claim > Major Supporting Reasons > Minor Supporting Details/Evidence
Use this rule to map the structure of an argument. First, identify the single overarching claim. Then, find the main reasons that directly support it. Finally, locate the specific facts, stats, or examples that support each of those reasons.
The 'Why & How' Test
A valid supporting detail must answer 'Why should I believe this claim?' or 'How is this claim true?'
When you find a piece of information, ask if it directly answers one of these questions about the central claim. If it doesn't, it might be a tangent, a counterargument, or a minor, illustrative point rather than a core piece of support.
The Signal Word Compass
Look fo...
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Easy
In the worked example about the railway system, the statement 'the railroad industry itself fueled economic growth by creating a massive demand for steel, coal, and timber' serves as a:
A.Central Claim
B.Minor Supporting Detail
C.Major Supporting Reason
D.Restatement of the thesis
Easy
According to the 'Key Concepts & Vocabulary' section, what is the primary function of a supporting detail?
A.To introduce a new topic unrelated to the central claim
B.To prove, clarify, or explain the central claim
C.To restate the central claim in different words
D.To present the author's personal opinion without evidence
Easy
Based on the 'Hierarchy of Ideas' rule, which of the following represents the correct structure of a well-reasoned informational text?
A.Major Supporting Reasons > Central Claim > Minor Supporting Details
B.Minor Supporting Details > Major Supporting Reasons > Central Claim
C.Central Claim > Major Supporting Reasons > Minor Supporting Details
D.Central Claim > Minor Supporting Details > Major Supporting Reasons
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What grade level is "Identify supporting details in informational texts"?
Identify supporting details in informational texts is a Grade 10 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Identify supporting details in informational texts?
You'll be able to: Identify at least three supporting details in a short informational text (200-300 words) with 80% accuracy; Explain how two or more supporting details from a given informational text help to prove the main idea, using complete….
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How many practice questions are included with Identify supporting details in informational texts?
This lesson includes 25 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.