Read the information in the box. Then discuss the questions below. 

WRITING SKILLS: Main Ideas and Supporting Details

Main Ideas

When you are reading, it is important to look for the writer's main ideas. These are the important points or claims the writer wants to make. For example:

For Peter Ungar, the truth is not so simple.

One explanation for modern health problems is that they began when humans became farmers thousands of years ago.

Supporting Details

After you read a main idea, it is helpful to look for details information that helps you understand the main idea or believe the writer's claim. For example:

... in human history, people have eaten a wide variety of foods.

Many kinds of food were available to our ancestors

1. What main idea do the details in the box above support?

2. How do the details help you understand or believe that main idea?