Name: _________________________________________

Comprehension:
Main Idea and
Supporting Details

Directions: Read the passage below to determine the main idea and three supporting details.

Insects

When we remember that the insects alone comprise four-fifths of the animal kingdom, and
that there are upwards of 200,000 living species, it would seem a hopeless task to define
what an insect is. But a common plan pervades the structure of them all. The bodies of all
insects consist of a succession of rings, or segments, more or less hardened by the
deposition of a chemical substance called chitine; these rings are arranged in three groups:
the head, the thorax, or middle body, and the abdomen or hind body. In the six-footed
insects, such as the bee, moth, beetle or dragon fly, four of these rings unite early in
embryonic life to form the head; the thorax consists of three, as may be readily seen on
slight examination, and the abdomen is composed either of ten or eleven rings. The body,
then, seems divided or insected into three regions, hence the name insect.

Complete the organizer below with the main idea of the passage supported by two details.

Main Idea:

Detail # 1 Detail # 2

© Copyright 2014: http://www.biglearners.com. All rights reserved. RI.4.2 - Reading : Informational Text
 Answer key
Comprehension:
Main Idea and
Supporting Details

Note: Answers may vary.

Main Idea:

Although, it is very hard to define what

an insects is, but there are certain
common body features that can help.

Detail # 1 Detail # 2

The bodies of all insects consist of a The rings are arranged in three
succession of rings, or segments. groups: the head, the thorax, or middle
body, and the abdomen or hind body.
The body seems divided or insected
into three regions, hence the name
insect.

© Copyright 2014: http://www.biglearners.com. All rights reserved. RI.4.2 - Reading : Informational Text