Choosing the
Best Title
Learn how to identify the main idea of a passage and select a title that captures its central focus accurately and completely.
What Is a Title?
A title is a short label that tells a reader what an entire passage is about. Think of it as a name tag for the writing: it should capture the passage's main idea in just a few words.
Why Titles Matter on the SSAT
Main Idea vs. Title
The Golden Rule of Good Titles
Broad vs. Narrow vs. Best
| Type | Example | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Too Broad | "Animals" | The passage is about dolphins, not all animals |
| Too Narrow | "Dolphin Echolocation" | Echolocation is only one paragraph of many |
| Just Right | "The Intelligence of Dolphins" | Matches the whole passage's focus |
The Three-Part Test
How to Apply This Skill
Worked Example: Easy
Every winter, monarch butterflies travel thousands of miles from Canada and the United States to the forests of central Mexico. Scientists have long studied this incredible journey to understand how the butterflies navigate. Recent research suggests that monarchs use the sun's position and Earth's magnetic field to stay on course. Their migration is one of the most remarkable feats in the animal kingdom.
Step 1: The passage is about monarch butterfly migration: the journey, the navigation, and why it is remarkable.
Step 2: My mental title: "The Amazing Migration of Monarchs."
Worked Example: Medium
In the early 1900s, most people thought the ocean floor was flat and featureless. Then sonar technology revealed deep trenches, towering underwater mountains, and vast plains. These discoveries changed our understanding of geology and led to the theory of plate tectonics, which explains how continents move. Today, scientists continue to map the ocean floor using advanced satellites and robotic submarines.
Main idea: The discovery of ocean floor features transformed geology.
Worked Example: Tricky
Although Thomas Edison is often credited with inventing the light bulb, the truth is more complicated. Many inventors contributed ideas over several decades. What Edison actually did was improve the design so that the bulb lasted long enough to be practical. He also created the electrical systems needed to power bulbs in homes and businesses. Edison's real genius lay not in a single invention but in building an entire system around it.
Why it is tricky: Two choices may seem correct. Watch for the one that covers both the bulb improvement and the system-building.
Visualizing Scope
Signal Words to Watch For
Certain words in a passage hint at the main idea. Paying attention to these helps you form a better mental title before looking at choices.
The Elimination Strategy
Common Mistakes
Question 1 of 5
The ancient Egyptians built enormous pyramids that still stand today. These structures served as tombs for pharaohs and were filled with treasures for the afterlife. Building them required thousands of workers, careful planning, and advanced knowledge of mathematics and engineering. The pyramids remain one of the greatest achievements of the ancient world.
Which of the following is the best title for this passage?
Question 2 of 5
Unlike most fish, seahorses swim upright and use their tails to grip seaweed and coral. They are very slow swimmers and rely on camouflage to avoid predators. Perhaps most unusually, it is the male seahorse that carries and gives birth to the young. These unique traits make seahorses one of the ocean's most fascinating creatures.
Which of the following is the best title for this passage?
Question 3 of 5
In many cities, rooftop gardens are becoming popular. These gardens help reduce air pollution, lower building temperatures in summer, and provide fresh food for residents. Some cities even offer tax breaks to encourage building owners to create green roofs. Supporters say rooftop gardens are a simple way to make cities healthier and more sustainable.
Which of the following is the best title for this passage?
Question 4 of 5
When the Hubble Space Telescope was launched in 1990, scientists discovered that its main mirror had a tiny flaw. Images were blurry, and the telescope seemed like a failure. However, astronauts repaired Hubble during a daring space mission in 1993. After the fix, Hubble sent back some of the most detailed images of the universe ever captured, transforming our knowledge of galaxies, stars, and planets.
Which of the following is the best title for this passage?
Question 5 of 5
For centuries, people have used dogs not only as companions but also as workers. Herding dogs help farmers manage sheep and cattle. Sled dogs transport people and goods across frozen landscapes. Search-and-rescue dogs locate missing persons after disasters. Guide dogs help people with visual impairments navigate the world safely. Each type of working dog is specially trained to perform its role.
Which of the following is the best title for this passage?