How to Identify Main Idea of a Passage? | Reading and Writing for Digital SAT PDF Download

What is the "Main Idea" in a Passage?

The main idea of a paragraph is the central point that the author intends to communicate to the reader about the topic at hand. This idea forms the backbone of the paragraph and provides an overarching argument or message. When the main idea is directly stated, it is usually found in the topic sentence. The topic sentence gives an overview of what the paragraph is about and is supported by subsequent sentences that provide additional details and context.

In a longer piece of writing, the main idea is typically expressed in the thesis statement. The thesis statement provides the primary focus of the entire article and is supported by smaller points. Like the topic sentence, the thesis statement gives a concise summary of the article's main point and guides the reader in understanding the author's argument.

The main idea can be thought of as a brief, all-encompassing summary. It covers everything the paragraph talks about in a general way but does not include the specifics. Those details come in later sentences or paragraphs and add nuance and context, which the main idea requires to support its argument. 

For example, in a paper discussing the causes of World War I, one paragraph might focus on the role of imperialism in the conflict. The main idea of the paragraph could be something like "Competition for empires in Europe led to increasing tensions that eventually erupted into World War I." The rest of the paragraph would explore specific tensions, participants, and reasons for seeking empires, while the main idea introduces the overarching argument of the section.

If the main idea is not explicitly stated, it is called an Implicit main idea. In this case, the reader must look closely at the content, including specific words, sentences, and images used and repeated, to deduce what the author is trying to communicate.

If the main idea is explicitly stated, it means that the author has directly and clearly communicated the main point of the passage. This can often be found in the opening sentence, but it can also be located in the conclusion or any other part of the passage. When the main idea is explicit, the reader does not need to read between the lines or make any inferences.

Where are the Main Ideas found?

Identifying a main idea that is explicitly stated in a text is a simple task. Generally, main ideas can be located in two specific areas of a paragraph: at the start or end. 

• The opening sentence of a paragraph usually clarifies the topic being discussed.
• The concluding sentence typically summarizes the information presented and connects it to the subsequent paragraph.

To determine the correct main idea of a paragraph, you can use the following hints:

After reading the paragraph, ask yourself what point the author is trying to make.

• Who: Is the passage focusing on a particular individual or a group of people?
• When: Is there any reference to time in the passage? When did the events described occur?
• Where: Does the passage mention a specific location or place where the events are taking place?
• Why: Is there any explanation provided for the events or actions described in the passage?
• How: Does the passage present a particular method or theory related to the topic at hand?

  Also watch: Central Ideas and Themes: Social Science Passage

How to Find the Main Idea in a Passage

To fully comprehend a passage, it's essential to locate the main idea. The main idea acts as the central thread that binds all the details and arguments of a passage together. The following tips can assist you in identifying the main idea of a passage:

• Identify the Topic: Start by reading the entire passage and identifying the subject matter or topic. Determine who or what the paragraph is about, without concerning yourself with the passage's argument about the topic yet.
• Summarize the Passage: After reading the passage thoroughly, try summarizing it in your own words using only one sentence. Pretend you have to convey what the passage is about in ten to twelve words.
• Look at the First and Last Sentences of the Passage: Authors often place the main idea at the beginning or end of a paragraph or article. Isolate those sentences to see if they make sense as the overarching theme of the passage. Beware of words such as but, however, in contrast, nevertheless, etc. that may indicate that the second sentence is the main idea. If you see one of these words that negate or qualify the first sentence, that is a clue that the second sentence is the main idea.
• Look for Repetition of Ideas: If a paragraph is difficult to summarize due to an overload of information, look for repeated words, phrases, or related ideas to discern the main idea.
  For example, in the following paragraph, what is the main idea?
  "A new hearing device uses a magnet to hold the detachable sound-processing portion in place. Like other aids, it converts sound into vibrations, but it is unique in that it can transmit the vibrations directly to the magnet and then to the inner ear. This produces a clearer sound. The new device will not help all hearing-impaired people—only those with a hearing loss caused by infection or some other problem in the middle ear. It will probably help no more than 20 percent of all people with hearing problems. Those people who have persistent ear infections, however, should find relief and restored hearing with the new device. "
  Answer: The paragraph is about a new hearing device, which is now available to help people with specific hearing loss problems."

Examples of Identifying Main Idea in a Passage

Example 1:

Summer is a wonderful time to spend at West Beach. It is a beach with light- colored, soft sand. The coastline goes on for a long way and many people enjoy walking along it. Children like to play in the surf and walk along the rocks that are visible at low tide. This is a fun beach for people of all ages. 

In this paragraph:    

Topic: West Beach

Main Idea: (what the writer is saying about the topic) is that summer is a wonderful time at West Beach

Example 2:

The movie Apollo 13 was a blockbuster for the summer of 1995. It is an exciting story about space exploration. In the movie, the astronauts get in trouble while they are trying to return to Earth. People in the audience are on the edge of their seats waiting to see what happens. What makes it even more exciting is that it is a true story. 

In this paragraph:  

Topic: movie Apollo 13

Main Idea (it is in the first sentence): Apollo 13 was a blockbuster for the summer of 1995

While the main idea is usually in the first sentence, the next most common placement is in the last sentence of a paragraph. The author gives supporting information first and then makes the point in the last sentence.

Example 3:

Most teenagers and young adults do not know what they want to do for the rest of their lives. It is a big decision. There are a number of things you can do to narrow the choices. For example you can take an interest test, do some research on your own about a career, try volunteer work in the field in which you are interested, or “job-shadow”, in which you spend a day with a person who is working in a field that interests you. These are just a few helpful ideas as you begin to choose a career. 

 In this paragraph:

Topic:  jobs or career choices

Main Idea: A few ideas to help the reader choose a career

Finally, an author might put the main idea in the middle of a paragraph. The author will spend a few sentences introducing the topic, present the main idea, then spend the rest of the paragraph supporting it. This can make the main idea more difficult to find.

Example 4:

The United States seems to be in love with the idea of going out to eat. Because of this, a real variety of restaurants has come about specializing in all kinds of foods. McDonald’s is the king of a subgroup of restaurants called fast-food restaurants. Chances are, no matter where you live, there is a McDonald’s restaurant near you. There are even McDonald’s in the Soviet Union. Now McDonald’s is trying something new. It is called McDonald’s Express and there is a test site in Peabody, Massachusetts. It is part of a Mobil gas station. This allows you to fill up with gas and fill up on food at the same time. What will they think of next?

In this paragraph:

Topic: McDonald’s 

Main Idea (In the Third Sentence): McDonald’s is the king of fast food

How can I determine if I have selected the correct main idea of a paragraph?

After reading a section of your textbook, a good way to check whether you have understood the main idea is to summarize the information in your own words. There are several steps you can follow to do this:

• First, write a short summary of what you have read. This will help you to identify the main idea.
• Next, check whether your summary agrees with the general topic of the section you have read.
• Then, compare your summary to the ideas being expressed by the author. Are they the same?
• Try to condense your summary into a headline or subheading that could express the main idea of the passage in less than five words.
• Finally, see if you can rephrase your chosen topic sentence into a question and determine if the passage answers that question. If you can, then you have successfully identified the main idea.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Identifying the Main Idea

• Selecting an answer that is too narrow in scope: One common mistake when choosing the main idea from a set of answer choices is selecting an answer that is too narrow in scope. This means choosing an answer that only captures a small part of what the passage is about. For example, if the passage is about the history of the United States, choosing an answer that only talks about the American Revolution would be too narrow in scope. Make sure to choose an answer that captures the big picture of the passage.
• Selecting an answer that is too broad: Another common mistake is selecting an answer that is too broad. This means choosing an answer that is too general and doesn't capture the specifics of what the passage is about. For example, if the passage is about the history of the United States, choosing an answer that simply says "America is a country with a rich history" would be too broad. Make sure to choose an answer that captures the specifics of the passage.
• Selecting an answer that is complex but contrary to the main idea: A third common mistake is selecting an answer that is complex but contrary to the main idea. This means choosing an answer that is technically correct and sounds sophisticated, but actually goes against the main point of the passage. For example, if the passage is about the benefits of exercise, choosing an answer that says "exercise is harmful to the body" would be complex but contrary to the main idea. Make sure to choose an answer that aligns with the main idea of the passage.