In reading comprehension and writing skills, which of the following terms refers to a specific type of supporting detail that provides precise evidence for an idea?

Introduction / Context:
This question checks your understanding of basic reading and writing terminology. In particular, it focuses on types of supporting details that writers use to back up claims in essays, articles, and speeches. Strong readers need to recognise details like facts, statistics, examples, and descriptions in order to understand and evaluate a text.

Given Data / Assumptions:
We have four main answer choices plus one extra option:
Chronology refers to time order or sequence of events.
Prose refers to ordinary written or spoken language that is not poetry.
Style refers to the distinctive way a writer uses language.
Statistic refers to numerical data or quantified information.
Theme refers to a central idea or message in a text.
We assume a typical school level context for reading and writing instruction.

Concept / Approach:
In reading instruction, types of details include examples, facts, statistics, definitions, descriptions, and quotations. A type of detail is usually something that functions as evidence. Among the options, the one that naturally describes a specific kind of evidence is statistic, because statistics are numbers and data used to support a point. Chronology, prose, style, and theme describe structures or qualities of writing but are not themselves single types of detail used as evidence.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify what the question means by type of detail. It refers to a form of evidence used to support an argument or idea. Step 2: Check each option and ask whether it names a concrete kind of evidence. Step 3: Recognise that a statistic is a piece of numerical information, such as a percentage or a measured amount, often used to support a claim. Step 4: Confirm that chronology, prose, style, and theme relate to organisation, form, or overall meaning, not specific pieces of evidence.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick cross check is to imagine a paragraph in a persuasive article. A writer may say that ninety percent of students prefer online notes. That number is a statistic and functions as a detailed piece of evidence. In contrast, the writer may use a chronological structure or a certain style, but those are frameworks and qualities rather than single pieces of detail. So statistic clearly fits the concept of a type of supporting detail.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Chronology: This is an arrangement of events in time order, not itself a one piece detail like a fact or example.
Prose: This is the general form of written language and does not name a specific detail type.
Style: This is the way an author uses words and sentences. It is a quality, not a unit of evidence.
Theme: This is the central idea or message of a text, not a single detail used to prove something.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to confuse general literary terms with specific detail types. Learners sometimes think style or theme might count as details, but they are actually higher level concepts. To avoid this, remember that details are small pieces, while style and theme are larger patterns and meanings.

Final Answer:
The term that names a type of specific supporting detail is statistic.