Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET) (174) Practice Exam

The term that is most closely associated with phrases like "for example" or "for instance" is supporting details. Supporting details are specific pieces of information, facts, or examples that bolster or enhance the main idea of a text. When a writer introduces a supporting detail, they often use transitional phrases such as "for example" or "for instance" to illustrate or clarify a point they are making. This helps to provide concrete evidence or illustrations that make the main idea more persuasive or understandable.

In contrast, the main idea encompasses the primary message or argument that the author intends to convey, whereas a topic refers to the general subject matter of the text. The theme is a broader, underlying message or insight that emerges from the text as a whole, often reflecting a more universal concept. Supporting details, therefore, are crucial for elaborating on and substantiating the main idea, using examples to bring clarity and depth to the text.