Detailed Explanation of Identify Supporting Details in Literary Texts 📚
When we read stories or poems in Year 6 English, it is very important to know how to identify supporting details in literary texts. Supporting details are the pieces of information, facts, examples, or descriptions that help us understand the main idea or the big message of the text better.
What Are Supporting Details? 🤔
Supporting details are bits of information that explain, prove, or tell us more about the main point. If the main idea is like the head of a story, supporting details are like the arms and legs that hold it up and move it along. For example, if a story’s main idea is about a character’s bravery, the supporting details might be actions the character took when facing danger or what other characters said about their courage.
Why Are Supporting Details Important? 💡
Supporting details help us to:
- Understand the story or poem clearly.
- Know why something happened or how a character feels.
- Think about what the writer wants to tell us.
- Remember important parts of the text when talking or writing about it.
Without supporting details, a story or poem would be too short or confusing because we wouldn’t have reasons or examples to explain what is happening.
Examples Relevant to Key Stage 2 English Curriculum 📝
Suppose you are reading a story about a girl called Mia who loves animals. The main idea might be: Mia is very kind and caring.
Supporting details for this could be:
- Mia helps a lost puppy find its way home.
- She gives food and water to stray cats near her house.
- She volunteers at the animal shelter every weekend.
In another example, if the poem’s theme is about the beauty of nature, supporting details could be:
- Descriptions of colourful flowers and singing birds.
- How the sun’s warm light shines through the trees.
- The sound of a river flowing gently.
How to Identify Supporting Details 🔍
When you read a literary text, look out for:
- Examples or actions that explain what the main idea is.
- Sentences that tell more about a character, setting, or event.
- Words that describe feelings, sounds, sights, or thoughts.
- Anything that answers the questions: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?
By practising identifying supporting details, you will become better at understanding stories and poems and can give stronger answers in your English lessons. Remember, supporting details are like clues in the text that help you see the bigger picture clearly! 🔎
20 Examination-style Questions with Answers on Identifying Supporting Details in Literary Texts ✍️
Question 1
Read the sentence: “The sky was dark and heavy with clouds, making the streets glisten after the rain.” What detail supports the idea that it recently rained?
Answer: “making the streets glisten after the rain” shows that it recently rained.
Question 2
In the story, the character is described as trembling and biting her lip. What does this detail support about her feelings?
Answer: The character is feeling nervous or scared.
Question 3
The text says, “John carried a big, worn-out backpack full of books.” What does this supporting detail tell us about John?
Answer: John is probably a student who studies a lot.
Question 4
If a sentence describes a room as “cold, dark, and silent,” what mood does this detail support?
Answer: It creates a spooky or sad mood.
Question 5
The story mentions that the dog wagged its tail and barked happily. What does this detail support about the dog?
Answer: The dog is happy and excited.
Question 6
“When Anna sneezed repeatedly, her nose was red and watery.” What does this detail support about Anna’s condition?
Answer: Anna probably has a cold or allergies.
Question 7
The text says, “The hero clenched his fists and stood tall, ready to face the danger.” What does this supporting detail suggest about the hero?
Answer: The hero is brave and determined.
Question 8
In the poem, the leaves are described as “fluttering softly in the breeze.” What does this detail support about the setting?
Answer: It is a calm and gentle environment.
Question 9
The author writes, “She whispered quietly, afraid someone would hear.” What does this detail support about the character’s feelings?
Answer: She feels scared or worried about being overheard.
Question 10
The text states, “Lightning flashed across the sky, followed by a loud clap of thunder.” What supporting detail shows the weather is stormy?
Answer: The “lightning” and “loud clap of thunder” show a storm.
Question 11
“Tom’s shoes were scuffed, and his clothes were covered in mud.” What does this detail tell us about what Tom has been doing?
Answer: Tom has been playing or working outside.
Question 12
In the story, a character “smiled warmly and held out a hand.” What does this supporting detail suggest about the character’s attitude?
Answer: The character is friendly and welcoming.
Question 13
The text describes the castle as “ancient, with crumbling walls and ivy climbing everywhere.” What supporting detail tells us about the castle’s age?
Answer: The “ancient” description and “crumbling walls” show it is very old.
Question 14
A character “shook his head slowly and sighed deeply.” What does this detail support about his mood?
Answer: He feels sad or disappointed.
Question 15
The narrator says, “The market was noisy and colourful, with people shouting to sell their goods.” What does this detail support about the market?
Answer: The market is busy and lively.
Question 16
The text says, “The little girl clutched her mother’s hand tightly.” What does this supporting detail suggest about the little girl?
Answer: She feels nervous or scared.
Question 17
In the story, “The clock struck midnight, and the streets were empty and quiet.” What does this detail support about the time and place?
Answer: It is late at night, and the town is calm and deserted.
Question 18
The character “burst into tears after hearing the good news.” What does this detail support about the character’s feelings?
Answer: The character feels very happy or relieved.
Question 19
The text describes a garden “filled with fragrant flowers and buzzing bees.” What does this supporting detail help the reader imagine?
Answer: The garden is lively and smells nice.
Question 20
The author writes, “The knight’s armour gleamed brightly under the sun.” What does this detail support about the knight?
Answer: The knight is well-prepared and takes care of his armour.
