This page of our PERT study guide will examine main ideas and how they apply to the PERT. We will cover techniques on how to find the main idea of a passage as well as how to approach questions about it.
Defining the Main Idea
The main idea is just what it sounds like: It is the guiding concept or principle of a story. It’s what stands behind every paragraph and detail. It may be directly stated in the passage, but it may also go unstated and be determined through the information you gather throughout the passage. Remember: Everything you read will point back to the main idea.
How to Approach Main Idea Questions
Follow these four techniques when you encounter a question that is asking about the main idea of a passage.
Skim for the Big Picture
- Initial scan: Begin by quickly skimming the passage. Don’t focus too much on every small detail just yet—your goal is to get a sense of the topic, general tone, and purpose.
- Focus on key paragraphs: Pay particular attention to the first paragraph, which often introduces the topic, and the final paragraph, which may provide a conclusion or summary.
Look for Repeated Themes or Ideas
- Identify recurring words or phrases: If certain concepts are repeated throughout the passage, they are likely central to the main idea. These repetitions could be in the form of key words, phrases, or overarching themes.
- Note emphasis points: Authors may emphasize their main idea through repetition, examples, or by dedicating more space to certain points. Be mindful of how much attention is given to specific ideas.
Identify Thesis or Summary Statements:
- Thesis location: In many passages, the main idea is expressed directly in a thesis statement. This is often located in the introduction or conclusion, with the most common position being the last sentence of the first paragraph. If the passage doesn’t have a clear thesis, look for sentences that summarize the overall message.
- Purposeful sentences: Pay attention to sentences that seem to pull together multiple ideas—these often point directly to the main idea.
Eliminate Overly Specific or Narrow Options:
- Broad vs. specific: The main idea encompasses the entire passage, not just one small part of it. If an answer choice only covers one paragraph or a particular detail, it’s too narrow.
- Irrelevant options: Some answer choices may seem plausible but focus on minor points or irrelevant information that was briefly mentioned. Eliminate these options.
Key Tip: The correct answer to a main idea question won’t be overly detailed. It will reflect the overall theme of the passage rather than focusing on a specific example or minor point.