Identifying Main Idea and Supporting Details
Read each paragraph carefully. Identify the main idea and list three supporting details from the text.
Paragraph 1:
New Zealand's kiwi bird is truly unique among the world's birds. Unlike most birds, the kiwi cannot fly and has hair-like feathers that resemble fur. It has a highly developed sense of smell, which is rare for birds, and uses its long beak to sniff out insects and worms in the soil. The kiwi is also nocturnal, sleeping during the day and foraging for food at night. These unusual characteristics make the kiwi one of the most distinctive birds on Earth.
Main Idea:
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Supporting Details:
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Paragraph 2:
Climate change is having a significant impact on New Zealand's glaciers. Scientists have recorded that many glaciers in the Southern Alps have retreated dramatically over the past century. The Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, once major tourist attractions, have shrunk considerably in recent decades. Rising temperatures cause increased melting, and reduced snowfall means less ice accumulation. If current trends continue, some smaller glaciers may disappear entirely within the next few decades.
Main Idea:
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Supporting Details:
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Paragraph 3:
Learning a musical instrument offers numerous benefits for young people. Studies show that music education improves memory and concentration skills that help in other school subjects. Playing an instrument also builds discipline, as regular practice is essential for improvement. Additionally, music provides a creative outlet for self-expression and can reduce stress and anxiety. Many students who play instruments report feeling more confident and develop stronger problem-solving abilities.
Main Idea:
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Supporting Details:
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Paragraph 4:
The Māori hāngi is a traditional cooking method that has been used for centuries. Food is placed in baskets and lowered into a pit that has been heated with hot stones. The pit is then covered with earth and cloth, creating an underground oven. This slow-cooking method allows the heat and steam to cook the food evenly over several hours. The hāngi not only produces delicious, tender meat and vegetables, but also brings whānau and communities together for special occasions.
Main Idea:
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Supporting Details:
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2. _____________________________________________________________________
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