1 Finding the Main Idea
Learn to distinguish a passage’s topic, main idea, and supporting points, then use a whole-passage process to identify and express its central message.
Distinguish the central idea from details
A names the general subject of a passage, often in just a word or short phrase. The says what is most important about that subject. It usually takes a complete sentence to express the , because the sentence names the and makes a meaningful point about it.
are details, facts, examples, or explanations that develop or prove the . A detail can be interesting without expressing the passage’s central point.
See how details support a
In a passage about city trees, the is city trees. The is that city trees can make neighborhoods healthier and more comfortable. The explain how: trees provide shade that can cool sidewalks and buildings on hot days, leaves can help catch some dust from the air, and roots can absorb rainwater.
“City trees” alone is not a because it only names the subject. The detail about roots absorbing rainwater is a supporting point because it explains one benefit, rather than the passage’s whole message.
Find the step by step
Use the whole passage to identify its central point:
Read the whole passage instead of deciding based on one striking detail.
Ask, “Who or what is this mostly about?” Use the answer to identify the .
Ask, “What is the most important thing the author wants me to understand about it?” Look for an idea that connects several details.
Check whether the fit the proposed and help explain it.
State the idea in your own words. Make it broad enough to cover the passage, but specific enough to say something meaningful about its .
The first or last sentence may state or reinforce the , but do not assume it is always in one particular place. Check the whole passage.
Check whether the idea covers the passage
For a passage about birds that travel when seasons change, the is seasonal bird travel. Its is that some birds travel to find better food and weather as the seasons change. explain that food may become scarce or cold weather may arrive, that birds can find suitable food and conditions in a warmer region, and that many return when the seasons change again.
A good main-idea answer covers the passage as a whole. An answer that describes only one supporting point is too narrow; one that merely names the is too general.