HiSET: Language Arts - Reading

HiSET: Language Arts - Reading focuses on developing reading comprehension skills essential for success in the HiSET exam and beyond.

Understanding Main IdeasIdentifying Supporting DetailsMaking Inferences
Analyzing Author’s Purpose and ToneRecognizing Organizational PatternsInterpreting Figurative Language
Reading Instructions and ManualsUnderstanding Workplace DocumentsApplying Reading Skills to Everyday Life
Previewing and SkimmingUsing Context CluesEliminating Wrong Answers
Understanding Main I...Identifying Supporti...Making InferencesAnalyzing Author’s P...Recognizing Organiza...Interpreting Figurat...Reading Instructions...Understanding Workpl...Applying Reading Ski...Previewing and Skimm...Using Context CluesEliminating Wrong An...
Basic Concepts

Identifying Supporting Details

What Are Supporting Details?

Supporting details are the facts, examples, or descriptions that explain and back up the main idea.

How to Spot Them

  • Look for explanations, statistics, and examples.
  • Ask yourself, 'What information supports the main point?'
  • Supporting details often answer 'how' or 'why.'

Why They Matter

Supporting details help you understand the author’s reasoning and make your own understanding deeper.

Real-World Use

When you read product reviews, the main idea could be "This phone is great," and the supporting details might include "It has a long battery life and a clear camera."

Quick Tips

Try underlining or highlighting details that answer 'how' or 'why' in a text for better comprehension.

Examples

  • In a paragraph about recycling, supporting details include facts about saving energy and reducing waste.

  • A review says a movie is funny; the supporting details mention specific jokes and humorous scenes.

In a Nutshell

Supporting details explain or prove the main idea with facts or examples.

Key Terms

Evidence
Information or details that support a claim or idea.
Example
A specific case used to illustrate a point.
Next
Making Inferences