Central Ideas & Details - SAT Reading & Writing

The central idea is the impacts of climate change. The key phrase 'focuses on' directly signals what the article is primarily about.

The central idea is the effects of pollution. The verb 'examines' signals the documentary's main investigative focus.

A conclusion supported by the text but not stated word-for-word. Requires logical reasoning based on implicit information within the text to draw conclusions not explicitly stated.

By summarizing the main points and looking for repeated themes. These strategies help readers distill the author's primary message.

The introductory paragraph often contains the central idea. Writers typically present their main argument early to guide readers.

A central idea is the main point or message of a text. This definition captures the essence of what readers should extract from any passage.

Supporting details provide evidence or examples for the central idea. They function as proof and illustrations that strengthen the main argument.

What is the author trying to convey or prove. This question directs readers to focus on the author's primary purpose.

Both; wrong choices are often too broad or too narrow. Highlights common distractors that either overgeneralize or overly specify, failing to match the passage's scope.

To identify the passage’s overall claim or message. Tests comprehension by requiring synthesis of the passage's key elements into a cohesive overarching theme.

Supporting details elaborate and reinforce the central idea. They add depth and credibility to make the main point more convincing.

Summarize each paragraph and find common themes. Breaking down complex texts reveals overarching themes and connections.

The main point or message the author conveys. This is the fundamental definition of what readers should identify first.

Sea level rise threatens coastal cities. The central idea captures the main threat described in the sentence.

Topic is subject; central idea is what the author asserts about it. Distinguishes the general area of discussion from the specific perspective or argument presented by the author.

The funding cuts contributed to the program closures. Logically connects the sequence of events, implying causation based on the temporal and contextual relationship described.

To clarify, prove, or explain the central idea. Supporting details always serve the central idea in these specific ways.

Check if it explains, proves, or illustrates the main point. Supporting details must connect to and strengthen the main point.

Only the main point and key support. Maintains fidelity to the passage by focusing on essential elements, avoiding dilution from peripheral information.

A central idea is specific to the text; a theme is a broader message. Central ideas are text-specific while themes are universal concepts.

The central idea is the importance of education. The word 'highlights' shows what the speech emphasizes most strongly.

Specific text support such as data, examples, observations, or quotes. Serves as the foundational support that lends credibility and depth to the author's arguments or descriptions.

A thesis statement is a sentence that expresses the main idea of an essay. It serves as the central claim that the entire essay will support.

The sentence that summarizes the main point of the paragraph. Look for the sentence that encompasses all other ideas in the paragraph.

Repetition or restatement. Authors use these techniques to highlight their most important points.

The topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph. It serves as the controlling idea that all other sentences support.

The passage’s main point, supported and developed by key details. Captures the essence of the passage's primary message, which is elaborated through various elements to convey the author's intent.

Evidence that memory or test performance improves after adequate sleep. Directly aligns with the argument by demonstrating tangible cognitive benefits linked to the advocated behavior.

A specific fact, example, or explanation that backs the central idea. Reinforces the main argument by providing concrete elements that illustrate and substantiate the author's point.

A position the author argues for, supported by reasons and evidence. Represents the core assertion in persuasive writing, bolstered by logical and factual backing to persuade the reader.

The passage’s overall development. Encourages a holistic understanding of how ideas progress and interconnect throughout the entire text.

The central idea is advocating for renewable energy adoption. The word 'argues' indicates the article's primary persuasive position.

The topic sentence. Topic sentences typically state the paragraph's main point directly.

A concluding sentence reinforces the central idea of a paragraph. It ties together all supporting ideas and restates the main point.

What evidence supports the main idea. This question focuses on finding details that back up the main point.

A reported study result that directly contradicts the older theory. Provides direct contradiction through empirical data, effectively undermining the established viewpoint.

Repetition of concepts or phrases can indicate the central idea. Authors emphasize important ideas through deliberate repetition.

Data on economic growth supports the report's central idea. Concrete data provides evidence that reinforces the main argument.

What is the paragraph mainly about. This question directly targets the paragraph's main focus or purpose.

One that is strongly supported by the text. Ensures the conclusion is logically derived from textual evidence rather than mere speculation.

Cities should invest in urban trees because they provide major benefits. Synthesizes the passage's descriptive benefits with its call to action, forming the core persuasive message.

Only the main point and key support. Maintains fidelity to the passage by focusing on essential elements, avoiding dilution from peripheral information.

Evidence that memory or test performance improves after adequate sleep. Directly aligns with the argument by demonstrating tangible cognitive benefits linked to the advocated behavior.

The passage’s main point, supported and developed by key details. Captures the essence of the passage's primary message, which is elaborated through various elements to convey the author's intent.

To identify the passage’s overall claim or message. Tests comprehension by requiring synthesis of the passage's key elements into a cohesive overarching theme.

A specific fact, example, or explanation that backs the central idea. Reinforces the main argument by providing concrete elements that illustrate and substantiate the author's point.

Topic is subject; central idea is what the author asserts about it. Distinguishes the general area of discussion from the specific perspective or argument presented by the author.

A conclusion supported by the text but not stated word-for-word. Requires logical reasoning based on implicit information within the text to draw conclusions not explicitly stated.

One that is strongly supported by the text. Ensures the conclusion is logically derived from textual evidence rather than mere speculation.

A position the author argues for, supported by reasons and evidence. Represents the core assertion in persuasive writing, bolstered by logical and factual backing to persuade the reader.

Specific text support such as data, examples, observations, or quotes. Serves as the foundational support that lends credibility and depth to the author's arguments or descriptions.

The passage’s overall development. Encourages a holistic understanding of how ideas progress and interconnect throughout the entire text.

Both; wrong choices are often too broad or too narrow. Highlights common distractors that either overgeneralize or overly specify, failing to match the passage's scope.

Cities should invest in urban trees because they provide major benefits. Synthesizes the passage's descriptive benefits with its call to action, forming the core persuasive message.

A reported study result that directly contradicts the older theory. Provides direct contradiction through empirical data, effectively undermining the established viewpoint.

The funding cuts contributed to the program closures. Logically connects the sequence of events, implying causation based on the temporal and contextual relationship described.

What evidence supports the main idea. This question focuses on finding details that back up the main point.

Sea level rise threatens coastal cities. The central idea captures the main threat described in the sentence.

The main point or message the author conveys. This is the fundamental definition of what readers should identify first.

To clarify, prove, or explain the central idea. Supporting details always serve the central idea in these specific ways.

The topic sentence. Topic sentences typically state the paragraph's main point directly.

Summarize each paragraph and find common themes. Breaking down complex texts reveals overarching themes and connections.

Supporting details elaborate and reinforce the central idea. They add depth and credibility to make the main point more convincing.

By summarizing the main points and looking for repeated themes. These strategies help readers distill the author's primary message.

The central idea is the importance of education. The word 'highlights' shows what the speech emphasizes most strongly.

The topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph. It serves as the controlling idea that all other sentences support.

Data on economic growth supports the report's central idea. Concrete data provides evidence that reinforces the main argument.

A thesis statement is a sentence that expresses the main idea of an essay. It serves as the central claim that the entire essay will support.

Repetition of concepts or phrases can indicate the central idea. Authors emphasize important ideas through deliberate repetition.

The central idea is the effects of pollution. The verb 'examines' signals the documentary's main investigative focus.

A concluding sentence reinforces the central idea of a paragraph. It ties together all supporting ideas and restates the main point.

By using supporting details, examples, and explanations. These elements work together to elaborate and strengthen the main message.

The central idea is advocating for renewable energy adoption. The word 'argues' indicates the article's primary persuasive position.

A central idea is specific to the text; a theme is a broader message. Central ideas are text-specific while themes are universal concepts.

What is the author trying to convey or prove. This question directs readers to focus on the author's primary purpose.

Supporting details provide evidence or examples for the central idea. They function as proof and illustrations that strengthen the main argument.

The central idea is the impacts of climate change. The key phrase 'focuses on' directly signals what the article is primarily about.

A central idea is the main point or message of a text. This definition captures the essence of what readers should extract from any passage.

The introductory paragraph often contains the central idea. Writers typically present their main argument early to guide readers.

The sentence that summarizes the main point of the paragraph. Look for the sentence that encompasses all other ideas in the paragraph.