- Which of the following is the best title for this passage?
Answer: The Process and Importance of Photosynthesis
When you encounter a question asking for the best title, you need to identify what the entire passage is about, not just one detail or component mentioned within it.
This passage covers the complete process of photosynthesis from start to finish. It explains how plants use sunlight to make food, describes the inputs (carbon dioxide and water), mentions the mechanism (chlorophyll capturing sunlight energy), identifies the main product (glucose), and highlights the important byproduct (oxygen). The passage also emphasizes why this matters—oxygen is "essential for most living organisms to breathe."
Choice A captures both the process (how photosynthesis works) and its significance (the vital oxygen byproduct), making it the comprehensive title that reflects the passage's full scope.
Choice B is too narrow because absorbing water is just one small step in photosynthesis, not the main focus. The passage mentions this briefly as one input but doesn't elaborate on the absorption process itself.
Choice C focuses only on oxygen's atmospheric role. While the passage mentions oxygen as a byproduct, it doesn't discuss the atmosphere in detail—oxygen is just one element of the larger photosynthesis explanation.
Choice D is also too specific, highlighting only chlorophyll and glucose creation. These are important components, but they represent just part of the photosynthesis process described in the passage.
For title questions on reading tests, always look for the answer choice that encompasses the passage's complete message rather than zeroing in on supporting details. The best title should reflect both the main topic and its broader significance.
- What is the main idea of this passage?
Answer: Bees play a crucial role in pollination, which is essential for food production and plant survival.
When you encounter a main idea question, you need to identify what the entire passage is fundamentally about—not just supporting details or examples mentioned along the way.
This passage centers on bees' vital role in pollination and why that matters. The author explains that bees transfer pollen while collecting nectar, which enables plants to produce fruits and seeds. The passage then connects this to broader consequences: much of our food supply depends on this process, and many plant species need it to survive. Every sentence supports the idea that bees are essential because of their pollination work.
Answer C captures this main idea perfectly by identifying both the key process (bees' role in pollination) and its significance (essential for food production and plant survival).
Answer A is wrong because the passage focuses exclusively on bees, not "many different types of insects." Answer B misses the main point by focusing on honey production, which isn't even mentioned in the passage—the emphasis is on pollination's importance, not what bees get from flowers. Answer D goes too far by claiming the food supply is "in danger of collapsing completely," which is more extreme than what the passage actually states about reduced food supply.
For main idea questions on the HSPT, eliminate answers that focus on minor details, introduce topics not discussed, or make claims stronger than what the passage supports. The correct answer should encompass the passage's central message without being too narrow or too broad.
- The author's main point is that the Great Wall of China...
Answer: served multiple functions beyond simply being a defensive barrier.
When you encounter a "main point" question, you need to identify the author's central message rather than just supporting details. Look for what the passage emphasizes most strongly through its structure and word choices.
The passage immediately establishes that the Great Wall "is not a single, continuous wall" but rather "a series of fortifications," then states its purpose "was not to form an impenetrable barrier, but rather to" serve multiple functions. The author dedicates most of the passage to explaining these various purposes: controlling trade, collecting taxes, serving as transportation and communication infrastructure, and facilitating rapid message transmission. This structure shows the author's main point is about the wall's diverse functions beyond simple defense, making D correct.
Choice A is wrong because the passage doesn't discuss the wall's effectiveness against invasions—it actually suggests defense wasn't even the primary purpose. Choice B identifies a supporting detail (multiple dynasties built it over time) but misses the main emphasis on multifunctionality. Choice C introduces claims about length and impressiveness that aren't mentioned in the passage at all.
For main idea questions on the HSPT, pay attention to what the author spends the most time explaining and look for signal phrases like "not... but rather" that indicate the author is correcting a common misconception. The main point is usually what the author wants you to understand differently, not just factual details they mention along the way.
- Which of the following would be the most suitable title for this passage?
Answer: Distinguishing Spontaneity from Impulsivity
When you encounter a question asking for the best title, you need to identify the passage's main purpose and scope. Look for what the author spends the most time explaining and what unifying theme connects all the ideas.
This passage is fundamentally about clarifying the distinction between two psychological concepts that people often confuse. The author dedicates equal attention to defining both spontaneity and impulsivity, then explicitly states "the key difference lies not in the lack of planning, but in the consideration of consequences." The entire passage builds toward helping readers understand how these terms differ.
Choice D captures this central purpose perfectly—the passage distinguishes spontaneity from impulsivity by explaining their different characteristics and psychological implications.
Choice A is too narrow because while the passage mentions dangers of impulsivity, it's not primarily a warning about impulsive behavior. The focus is on explanation, not cautioning against something.
Choice B similarly captures only half the passage. Yes, spontaneity is linked to creativity, but the passage gives equal weight to explaining impulsivity and their differences.
Choice C is too broad. While this involves decision-making psychology, the passage doesn't explore general decision-making processes—it specifically focuses on these two particular concepts and how they're often confused.
For title questions on reading tests, eliminate choices that are too narrow (covering only part of the passage) or too broad (covering more than what's discussed). The best title will match both the scope and the primary purpose of the entire passage.
- What is the central message of this passage?
Answer: Coral reefs are highly diverse and valuable ecosystems that are critical to marine life and humans.
When you encounter a question asking for the "central message" or main idea, you need to identify what the entire passage is fundamentally about, not just individual details mentioned within it.
This passage presents coral reefs as exceptionally valuable ecosystems by highlighting multiple aspects of their importance. The author establishes their biodiversity (supporting 25% of marine species despite covering less than 1% of ocean floor), their ecological functions (providing habitats and nursery grounds), their protective benefits to humans (storm and erosion protection), and concludes by emphasizing their overall value to both marine life and human societies. Answer B captures this comprehensive message perfectly by acknowledging both the diversity and the broad value of coral reefs.
Answer A is too narrow—while the passage does compare coral reefs to rainforests, this comparison is just the opening hook, not the central message. Answer C overstates the case by claiming species "depend directly" on coral reefs for survival, when the passage only says reefs "support" these species. Answer D focuses solely on coastal protection, ignoring the extensive discussion of biodiversity and ecological functions that takes up most of the passage.
For main idea questions on the HSPT, look for the answer choice that encompasses the passage's full scope rather than zeroing in on one supporting detail. The central message should connect all the major points the author makes, not just highlight the most interesting fact mentioned.
- Which of the following statements best expresses the main idea of the passage?
Answer: The popular conception of the Great Wall is inaccurate; it was actually a complex, evolving system with multiple functions.
When you encounter a main idea question, you need to identify the author's central argument rather than getting distracted by supporting details or examples. The main idea encompasses the overall message the author wants to convey about the topic.
This passage follows a classic structure: it presents a common misconception, then corrects it with a more accurate understanding. The author begins by acknowledging the popular view of the Great Wall as "a single, continuous barrier built to keep invaders out," then immediately signals this is wrong by calling it "a historical simplification." The rest of the passage systematically dismantles this misconception by explaining what the wall actually was: a complex, multi-purpose system that evolved over centuries.
Choice B captures this perfectly by contrasting the "popular conception" with reality—"a complex, evolving system with multiple functions." This encompasses the author's entire argument.
Choice A is too narrow, focusing only on the signaling function mentioned as one example among many purposes. While signaling was important "for many periods," the author never claims it was the primary purpose overall.
Choice C emphasizes the construction timeline, which is merely supporting evidence for the larger point about complexity, not the main idea itself.
Choice D zeroes in on trade regulation, another supporting detail that illustrates the wall's varied functions but misses the broader argument about misconceptions versus reality.
Study tip: On main idea questions, look for the author's thesis statement or the sentence that best summarizes their overall argument. Often this appears early in the passage after presenting what the author plans to challenge or explain.
- The passage is primarily concerned with...
Answer: discussing the shift from viewing the placebo effect as a problem to a subject of valuable research.
When you encounter a "primarily concerned with" question, you're being asked to identify the main focus or central theme of the entire passage, not just a detail mentioned within it.
This passage follows a clear structure: it introduces the placebo effect, explains how it was historically viewed as a problem in research, then describes how scientists are now studying it as valuable in its own right. The key transition occurs when the author states "However, a new perspective is emerging" and explains that researchers now view the placebo effect "not as a trick of the mind, but as a window into the brain's powerful ability to influence bodily health." This shift from viewing the placebo effect as a nuisance to seeing it as a research opportunity is the passage's central theme.
Choice A is incorrect because the passage doesn't provide instructions for conducting clinical trials—it only mentions trials briefly as context. Choice B misses the mark entirely; the passage discusses legitimate scientific phenomena, not deceptive practices. Choice D focuses too narrowly on just one aspect (how the brain responds to inactive substances) rather than the broader theme about changing scientific perspectives.
Choice C correctly captures the passage's main argument: scientists have changed their approach from dismissing the placebo effect as an obstacle to embracing it as a valuable research subject.
For main idea questions on the HSPT, look for transition words like "however," "but," or "now" that signal shifts in perspective—these often point toward the author's primary focus.
- What is the best summary of the passage?
Answer: Bioluminescence is a chemical process that various organisms use for survival and communication.
When you encounter a summary question on the HSPT reading exam, you need to identify the choice that captures the passage's main idea and scope without being too narrow or too broad.
The passage discusses bioluminescence as a natural phenomenon, explains that it's created through chemical reactions, and describes three main uses: attracting prey, evading predators, and communication. Choice A correctly captures all these key elements—it identifies bioluminescence as a chemical process and acknowledges its multiple functions for survival and communication. This answer matches both the breadth and focus of the original passage.
Choice B is too narrow because it only mentions one specific example (the anglerfish) rather than summarizing the entire passage. While the anglerfish is mentioned, it's just one illustration of a broader concept.
Choice C focuses on where bioluminescent animals live rather than what bioluminescence is and why it's used. The passage does mention marine creatures, but location isn't the main point—the phenomenon and its purposes are.
Choice D is too broad and vague. While the passage does discuss chemical reactions, this answer could apply to countless natural phenomena beyond bioluminescence. It completely misses the specific focus on light production and its biological functions.
For summary questions, look for the answer that covers the passage's main points without including irrelevant details or being overly general. The best summary should feel like a condensed version of the passage that maintains its central focus and scope.
- Which of the following would be the most suitable title for this passage?
Answer: The Diverse Functions of Bioluminescence
When you encounter a "best title" question, you need to identify the passage's main focus and scope. Look for what the author spends most time discussing and what unifies all the examples given.
This passage introduces bioluminescence and then explores its multiple uses across different marine organisms. The author discusses three distinct functions: attracting prey (anglerfish), camouflage through counter-illumination (squid), and communication for mating or territorial purposes. The passage emphasizes how this "living light" serves various survival purposes in ocean environments.
Choice C, "The Diverse Functions of Bioluminescence," perfectly captures this broad scope. The word "diverse" reflects the multiple different uses described, and "functions" encompasses all the survival purposes mentioned throughout the passage.
Choice A is too narrow—while the anglerfish is mentioned, it's just one example among several, not the main focus. Choice B suffers from the same problem: counter-illumination camouflage is only one of three functions discussed, making this title too limited. Choice D might seem tempting since all examples involve deep-sea creatures, but the passage specifically focuses on bioluminescence as an adaptation, not deep-sea adaptations in general.
For title questions on the HSPT, always choose the option that covers the full scope of the passage without being too broad or too narrow. If the author discusses multiple examples or aspects of a topic, the correct title will typically acknowledge that breadth rather than focusing on just one detail.
- Which sentence best expresses the main idea of the passage?
Answer: Improvisation is a fundamental and defining characteristic of jazz music.
When you encounter a main idea question on the HSPT reading section, you need to identify the central theme that unifies the entire passage, not just a supporting detail or example.
This passage structures its argument around improvisation as jazz's core characteristic. The author introduces jazz, then immediately emphasizes improvisation as its defining feature. Every subsequent sentence supports this central claim: how improvisation differs from classical music's rigid structure, how it makes each performance unique, how it creates dynamic interaction between musicians, and how this "freedom of expression" is what makes jazz distinctly American. The entire passage builds around improvisation as the fundamental concept.
Choice B correctly captures this central theme by identifying improvisation as jazz's "fundamental and defining characteristic." Choice A mentions that jazz is uniquely American and began in New Orleans, but these are supporting details, not the main focus—the passage spends most of its time explaining why jazz is unique (improvisation), not where it came from. Choice C focuses on the comparison between jazz and classical music, but this comparison only serves to highlight improvisation's importance; it's not the passage's primary purpose. Choice D identifies the listening skills required for jazz performance, but this is just one consequence of improvisation, not the overarching main idea.
For main idea questions, look for the concept that every other detail in the passage supports or explains. Supporting details and examples are important, but they serve the main idea rather than being the main idea themselves.
- What is the main idea of this passage?
Answer: The Great Barrier Reef is a vital and massive ecosystem that is endangered by several environmental pressures.
When you encounter a main idea question, you need to identify the central theme that encompasses the entire passage, not just supporting details or examples. Look for what the author spends the most time discussing and what connects all the information together.
This passage follows a classic structure: it introduces the Great Barrier Reef by establishing its impressive scale and importance, then shifts to discuss the various threats endangering it. The correct answer is C because it captures both essential elements - the reef's significance as a massive, vital ecosystem AND the environmental dangers it faces. The passage dedicates roughly equal space to describing the reef's importance and explaining multiple threats (bleaching, acidification, pollution).
Answer A only addresses the first part of the passage about the reef's size and visibility, ignoring the substantial discussion of environmental threats. Answer B makes coral bleaching seem like the main focus when it's actually just one of several threats mentioned, and it incorrectly broadens the scope to "all ocean ecosystems" rather than focusing on the Great Barrier Reef specifically. Answer D treats pollution and acidification as the main topic, but these are supporting details that explain HOW the reef is threatened, not the passage's central point.
For main idea questions on the HSPT, avoid answers that focus on only one paragraph or section of the passage. The correct answer should reflect the author's overall purpose and encompass the full scope of what's discussed, not just interesting details or examples.
- What is the main point of the passage?
Answer: Deserts are home to specially adapted organisms that are able to thrive in a harsh environment.
When you encounter a main idea question on the HSPT reading test, you need to identify the passage's central message—the overarching point that ties all the details together, rather than focusing on any single example or supporting detail.
The correct answer is B because the passage's central argument is that deserts, despite appearing lifeless, actually contain diverse organisms that have evolved special traits to survive harsh conditions. The author opens by challenging the misconception that deserts are "barren wastelands," then explains they're "complex ecosystems teeming with life," and supports this with examples of specific adaptations. Every sentence contributes to this main point about desert life's remarkable survival abilities.
Choice A is incorrect because it elevates the kangaroo rat above other desert animals, but the passage treats it as just one example among many—it doesn't rank or compare the impressiveness of different adaptations. Choice C is wrong because it makes water scarcity the universal challenge for "all life forms on Earth," while the passage specifically focuses on desert ecosystems, not global life. Choice D is incorrect because it singles out cacti as "unique," but the passage presents cactus water storage as one example of many desert adaptations, not as something that makes cacti special compared to other plants.
For main idea questions, always look for the answer that encompasses the entire passage rather than highlighting specific details. The correct choice will capture what the author spent the whole passage trying to convince you of, not just isolated facts mentioned along the way.
- The passage is primarily concerned with explaining...
Answer: the various functional roles that bioluminescence plays as a survival tool for deep-sea life.
When you encounter a reading comprehension question asking what a passage is "primarily concerned with," you're looking for the main purpose or central focus that ties the entire passage together.
This passage opens by stating that bioluminescence is "far more than a beautiful natural spectacle" and is actually "a primary tool for survival." The author then systematically explains three different ways bioluminescence functions as a survival mechanism: predation (anglerfish using light to lure prey), defense (squid using flashes to escape predators), and communication (finding mates and coordinating groups). The passage concludes by reinforcing that bioluminescence is "a multifaceted evolutionary adaptation essential for predation, defense, and social interaction." This structure clearly shows the passage's primary concern is explaining the various survival functions of bioluminescence.
Choice A is incorrect because the passage never discusses the chemical processes behind light production—it focuses entirely on function, not mechanism. Choice B is too narrow, as the anglerfish example is just one of several examples used to illustrate the broader concept. Choice D is also too limited, focusing only on two specific strategies rather than the full range of survival functions the passage covers.
For main idea questions on the HSPT, look for the answer choice that captures the passage's complete scope without being too broad or too narrow. The correct answer should encompass all the major points while reflecting the author's primary purpose in writing the passage.
- The main purpose of this passage is to...
Answer: explain the principle of energy conservation with examples.
When you encounter a "main purpose" question, you need to identify what the author is primarily trying to accomplish in the entire passage, not just focus on specific details or examples mentioned along the way.
This passage opens by stating that "Conservation of energy is a fundamental principle of physics" and then proceeds to explain what this principle means. The author defines the concept clearly—energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed—and then supports this explanation with concrete examples like the lamp and the dropped ball. The passage concludes by reinforcing the core idea that total energy remains constant in a closed system. This structure shows the author's main goal is to explain the principle of energy conservation with examples, making D correct.
Let's examine why the other choices miss the mark. Choice A is wrong because the passage doesn't argue about the impossibility of creating new energy sources—it simply explains how energy transforms. Choice B focuses too narrowly on just one example (potential vs. kinetic energy) rather than the broader principle being taught. Choice C similarly zeroes in on just the lamp example about electrical energy conversion, missing the bigger picture.
For main purpose questions on the HSPT, always step back and ask yourself: "What is this author really trying to teach me?" Look for the central concept that everything else in the passage supports, rather than getting distracted by specific examples or details that serve as supporting evidence.
- This passage is primarily about...
Answer: the Silk Road's role as a network for both commercial and cultural exchange.
When you encounter a reading comprehension question asking what a passage is "primarily about," you need to identify the main idea that encompasses the entire passage, not just specific details mentioned within it.
This passage discusses the Silk Road as a comprehensive network that facilitated both trade and cultural exchange over 1,500 years. The author emphasizes that while goods like silk and spices were traded, the network was equally important for spreading "ideas, technologies, religions, and cultures." The passage provides specific examples of both commercial goods and cultural elements (papermaking, gunpowder, Buddhism) to illustrate this dual function. Answer D correctly captures this broad, overarching theme.
Let's examine why the other choices miss the mark: Answer A focuses only on luxury goods, ignoring the significant portion of the passage dedicated to cultural exchange. Answer B is far too narrow, mentioning only silk production and trade with Rome, when the passage discusses a much broader network and timeframe. Answer C zeroes in exclusively on religious spread, particularly Buddhism, but this is just one example the author uses to illustrate the larger concept of cultural diffusion.
Remember that "primary purpose" questions require you to step back and see the forest, not the trees. The correct answer will be broad enough to encompass all the major points discussed, while wrong answers typically focus on supporting details or examples rather than the main theme.
- The passage is mainly about...
Answer: explaining Archimedes' principle and how it relates to buoyancy.
When you encounter a "main idea" question on reading passages, you need to identify what the entire passage is primarily focused on, not just a detail or example mentioned within it.
This passage begins by defining Archimedes' principle and then uses the ship-versus-nail example to illustrate how this principle works in practice. The author explains the concept of buoyancy through this scientific law and demonstrates its real-world applications. The entire passage revolves around teaching you what Archimedes' principle is and how it explains buoyancy phenomena.
Choice D correctly captures this focus—the passage is fundamentally about explaining Archimedes' principle and connecting it to buoyancy. This encompasses both the definition and the illustrative examples provided.
Choice A is too narrow because while the ship example is prominent, it's just one illustration used to explain the broader principle. The passage isn't mainly about ships—it's about the physics principle that explains why ships float.
Choice B is incorrect because the passage doesn't discuss the history or discovery of Archimedes' principle. It jumps straight into explaining what the principle states and how it works.
Choice C focuses only on applications mentioned at the very end (submarines and balloons), missing the main body of the passage that explains the principle itself. These applications are supporting details, not the central focus.
For main idea questions, look for the thread that runs through the entire passage. Details and examples support the main idea but aren't the main idea themselves. The correct answer should encompass the passage's primary purpose.
- What is the main idea presented in the passage?
Answer: A chameleon's color-changing ability is mainly a tool for communication rather than camouflage.
When you encounter a main idea question, you're looking for the central point the author wants to communicate—the overarching message that ties the entire passage together.
This passage follows a classic structure: it opens by addressing a common misconception about chameleons, then presents the actual main point. The author states that chameleons are "famous for their ability to change color, but this talent is not primarily used for camouflage as is widely believed." The word "but" signals a contrast, and what follows is the true main idea: "color change is most often a form of communication." The rest of the passage supports this central claim with specific examples of how chameleons use color for social signaling.
Choice A correctly captures this main idea by highlighting both the misconception (camouflage) and the reality (communication). Choice B represents the exact misconception the author is correcting—that chameleons change color primarily for camouflage and hiding. Choice C is far too broad; while the passage does discuss animal communication, it focuses specifically on chameleons, not animals in general. Choice D identifies a supporting detail (temperature affects color) but misses the main point entirely—environmental factors are mentioned as secondary to the primary purpose of communication.
On reading comprehension tests, main idea questions often present common misconceptions as trap answers. Always look for signal words like "but," "however," or "instead" that indicate the author is correcting a widely held belief—the correction usually contains the main idea.
- What is the central idea conveyed in the passage?
Answer: The placebo effect is a powerful, real phenomenon that demonstrates a significant mind-body connection in healing.
When you encounter a question asking for the "central idea" of a passage, you need to identify the main theme that ties all the details together, not just focus on individual supporting points.
The passage presents the placebo effect as a legitimate, measurable phenomenon that reveals important insights about how the mind influences physical healing. The author emphasizes that it's "not merely imagination" but produces "measurable physiological changes." The passage traces a shift in scientific perspective—from viewing the placebo effect as a research obstacle to recognizing it as "a key to understanding the complex connection between the mind and body." This mind-body connection theme runs throughout the entire passage.
Choice A is incorrect because the passage doesn't focus on improving clinical trial methods. While it mentions clinical trials, the emphasis is on understanding the placebo effect's value, not controlling for it. Choice C is too narrow—doctor-patient trust is mentioned as just one contextual factor among several (expense, formality, etc.) that can enhance the placebo response. Choice D focuses on only one mechanism (endorphin release) mentioned in the passage, but this is presented as an example of measurable changes, not the central point.
Choice B correctly captures the passage's main message: the placebo effect is both powerful and real, demonstrating a significant mind-body connection in healing.
Strategy tip: For central idea questions, look for themes that appear throughout the passage and connect all the supporting details, rather than getting distracted by specific examples or mechanisms mentioned only briefly.
- Which of the following best describes the main topic of the passage?
Answer: A method of urban planning that uses small, temporary projects to test ideas for permanent city improvements.
When you encounter a reading comprehension question asking for the "main topic," you need to identify the central focus that unifies the entire passage, not just specific details or examples mentioned within it.
The passage centers on tactical urbanism as an alternative approach to city planning. The author explains that this method uses "short-term, low-cost, and scalable interventions" to test ideas before making permanent changes. The examples of parklets and bike lanes serve to illustrate this concept, but they're not the main focus themselves. The passage emphasizes the testing process, the ability to gather data, and the flexibility to make changes permanent or remove them based on results.
Choice B correctly captures this main idea by describing tactical urbanism as "a method of urban planning that uses small, temporary projects to test ideas for permanent city improvements." This encompasses the key elements: the methodology, the temporary nature, and the goal of informing permanent decisions.
Choice A focuses too narrowly on the specific examples (parks and bike lanes) rather than the broader planning approach. Choice C emphasizes only the financial aspect, missing the testing and flexibility components that are central to the concept. Choice D overstates community engagement's role—while mentioned, it's presented as one benefit among several, not the primary focus.
For main topic questions, look for the answer that captures the passage's central theme while being broad enough to encompass all the supporting details and examples provided.
- Which statement best expresses the central point of the passage?
Answer: Roman aqueducts were a key engineering achievement that improved urban life by providing a reliable water supply.
When you encounter a "central point" or "main idea" question, you're looking for the statement that captures the passage's primary focus and encompasses its key details without being too broad or too narrow.
This passage focuses on Roman aqueducts as engineering achievements that served a crucial practical purpose. The author emphasizes both their technical innovation (using gravity and precise slopes) and their significant impact on Roman urban life (providing water for drinking, baths, and fountains, which improved public health and allowed cities to grow). Answer A perfectly captures this dual emphasis on engineering excellence and urban benefits.
Let's examine why the other choices miss the mark. Answer B incorrectly suggests Romans "invented" using gravity to move water—the passage doesn't claim they invented this concept, only that they used it effectively in their aqueducts. Answer C is far too broad, discussing "ancient civilizations" and "many structures" when the passage specifically focuses on Roman aqueducts. Answer D is too narrow, zeroing in on just public baths and fountains, which are mentioned only as examples of how the water was used, not as the main point.
For main idea questions on the HSPT, avoid answers that are too broad (going beyond what the passage discusses) or too narrow (focusing on just one detail). The correct answer should feel like a good summary that someone could use to describe the passage to a friend—comprehensive enough to capture the essential message, but focused enough to reflect what the author actually emphasized.
