Support is the part of a passage that makes the main idea believable: a reason, a result or a fitting example. To identify it, first state the main idea, then test each sentence against it. This skill appears when a question asks “why does the writer think so” or “give two reasons”.
It follows tracking a viewpoint and leads to interpreting a phrase in context inside Second-language comprehension.
How do you separate support from detail?
Think of the main idea as a claim, and support as the evidence for it. A sentence is support if it answers the silent question “why?” or “how do you know?”.
Signal words help. 首先 (shǒuxiān, first), 其次 (qícì, second), 因为 (yīnwèi, because), 所以 (suǒyǐ, so) and 例如 (lìrú, for example) often introduce support. A sentence with none of these may be a side detail.
A step-by-step method
- State the main idea in one short sentence of your own.
- Ask why the writer believes it.
- Mark sentences that give a reason, a result or an example.
- Cross out true but unrelated details: weather, colours, food, names.
- Write each support as a short phrase, in your own words if you can.
Worked example
This passage is invented.
参加读书会对学生很有好处。首先，我们可以认识喜欢读书的新朋友。其次，大家分享不同的想法，让我们学到新的看法。上个星期的聚会还提供了点心，可是大家最记得的是讨论。
Question: 作者认为读书会有什么好处？请写出两点。(What benefits of the book club does the writer give? Write two.)
Step 1, main idea. 读书会对学生有好处 (the book club is good for students). It is stated in the first sentence.
Step 2, ask why. The next two sentences each answer it. 首先 introduces meeting friends who also like reading. 其次 introduces learning new views from shared ideas.
Step 3, check the last sentence. The snacks are true, but they are not a benefit the writer argues for. The writer even says the discussion is remembered most.
Answer: 一，可以认识喜欢读书的新朋友；二，可以学到不同的看法。
A mistake that looks reasonable
A common slip is choosing a vivid detail because it is easy to find.
Wrong: 读书会有点心。
The snacks are in the passage, so copying them feels safe. But the question asks for benefits that support the claim, and 可是 shows the writer thinks they matter less. The correction is to follow the signal words 首先 and 其次 to the two real reasons.
Self-check
These passages are invented.
1. 骑自行车对环境很好。它不会产生废气，也不需要汽油。我的自行车是蓝色的。Which sentence does not support the main idea?
Show answer
我的自行车是蓝色的。The colour has nothing to do with the environment. The two sentences before it give reasons: no exhaust fumes, no petrol.
2. 小区的图书室应该延长开放时间。很多学生放学后才有空，而现在五点就关门了。What supports the idea?
Show answer
学生放学后才有空，而图书室五点就关门。The reason links the students’ free time to the closing time.
3. 早睡对身体有好处。睡够了，白天比较有精神，也不容易生病。State the main idea.
Show answer
早睡对身体有好处 (sleeping early is good for health). The other two sentences are the support: more energy and fewer illnesses.
Where to go next
Take any short Chinese paragraph and write its main idea in one line, then underline the support. Move on to interpreting a phrase in context and try the mixed practice set. The summary selection and paraphrase studio lets you check which points are relevant.
If you want a teacher to check your choices with you, our team offers online one-to-one Chinese tuition.