ISEE Middle Level Reading Comprehension

This subject focuses on developing reading comprehension skills necessary for success on the ISEE Middle Level exam.

Understanding Main IdeasRecognizing Supporting DetailsMaking Inferences
Analyzing Author’s Purpose and ToneUnderstanding Vocabulary in ContextDistinguishing Fact from Opinion
Applying Reading Skills to Everyday LifeUsing Comprehension Strategies for Group ProjectsSolving Problems with Critical Reading
Previewing and SkimmingEliminating Wrong Answers
Understanding Main I...Recognizing Supporti...Making InferencesAnalyzing Author’s P...Understanding Vocabu...Distinguishing Fact ...Applying Reading Ski...Using Comprehension ...Solving Problems wit...Previewing and Skimm...Eliminating Wrong An...
Basic Concepts

Recognizing Supporting Details

Spotting the Building Blocks

Supporting details are the facts, examples, and reasons that back up the main idea. Think of them as the bricks that build the story's foundation.

Identifying Details

  • Look for specific information: Dates, names, places, and facts.
  • Pay attention to examples: Authors often use examples to clarify their points.
  • Watch for explanations: These often help prove why the main idea is true.

Real-World Skills

Recognizing supporting details helps you remember important information, whether you're reading a textbook or listening to a news report.

Practice Tip

Highlight or jot down two details from each paragraph to see how they support the main idea.

Examples

  • A passage about recycling includes details like 'Plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose' and 'Glass can be recycled endlessly.'

  • In a story about teamwork, details might include characters solving a problem together or encouraging one another.

In a Nutshell

Details give evidence, examples, and explanations for the main idea.

Key Terms

Supporting Detail
Information that explains, proves, or enhances the main idea.
Evidence
Facts or examples that support a statement.
Next
Making Inferences