ISEE Lower Level Reading Comprehension

Learn how to understand, analyze, and answer questions about reading passages for the ISEE Lower Level exam.

Finding the Main IdeaUnderstanding DetailsFiguring Out Vocabulary in Context
Making InferencesUnderstanding Author’s PurposeComparing and Contrasting Information
Applying Reading Comprehension to Everyday LifeUsing Context Clues in Daily ConversationsRecognizing Main Ideas in Media
Read the Questions FirstEliminate Wrong AnswersCheck Your Answers
Finding the Main Ide...Understanding Detail...Figuring Out Vocabul...Making InferencesUnderstanding Author...Comparing and Contra...Applying Reading Com...Using Context Clues ...Recognizing Main Ide...Read the Questions F...Eliminate Wrong Answ...Check Your Answers
Basic Concepts

Understanding Details

What are Details?

Details are the small pieces of information that support or explain the main idea. They can be facts, examples, or descriptions.

How to Identify Details

  • Read carefully. Look for names, numbers, dates, or places.
  • Ask: What information helps explain the main idea?
  • Underline or highlight important facts while you read.

Why are Details Important?

Details help you answer specific questions about a passage. They also make the story or article more interesting!

Everyday Example

When following a recipe, the instructions are details that help you make the dish correctly.

Examples

  • A passage about tigers lists where they live and what they eat—those are details.

  • If the main idea is about the importance of recycling, details might include the benefits to the environment and how to recycle at home.

In a Nutshell

Details are the facts and examples that help explain the main idea.

Next
Figuring Out Vocabulary in Context