Author's Main Point - SAT Reading & Writing

It typically supports the main point rather than stating it. Example-laden paragraphs furnish evidence to substantiate the broader claim stated elsewhere in the passage.

They overstate the author’s claim beyond what the passage supports. Extreme wording exaggerates the author's position, deviating from the nuanced or qualified claim in the passage.

The process is more efficient than older methods. The emphasis on efficiency positions the comparative advantage as the author's central explanatory claim.

Summarize the passage in one sentence. This tests whether readers can identify and restate the core argument.

“The disaster exposed major safety failures.”. The interpretive claim about implications captures the main point, beyond the mere historical fact.

The main idea. The main idea captures the paragraph's central focus.

Recycling is crucial. Restates the author's assertion about recycling's vital importance.

“Expert consensus favors early intervention.”. Quotations provide evidence, but the consensus interpretation forms the author's primary claim.

It frames an issue; the main point is typically the answer that follows. Rhetorical questions engage readers and introduce the problem, with the main point emerging as the author's subsequent resolution.

They emphasize or introduce the main point. These phrases signal important shifts and highlight key arguments.

The author's primary message or argument. The main point reveals what the author wants to communicate.

A strong call to action. Persuasive texts often conclude with urgent appeals that reveal the main point.

Near the beginning or end, often in a thesis-like sentence. Argumentative passages often introduce or conclude with the thesis to frame the discussion or reinforce the central claim.

It acknowledges objections; the main point is the author’s response. Counterarguments address potential rebuttals, strengthening the author's main claim by demonstrating its superiority.

The introduction or conclusion. These sections frame the essay by presenting or restating the main argument.

By summarizing key arguments. Conclusions often restate the main point by reviewing supporting arguments.

The policy improves safety and saves money overall. The concessive structure highlights the author's positive stance as the central claim despite opposition.

Main point is what; purpose is why the author wrote it. The purpose reflects the author's intent in writing, such as to persuade or inform, distinct from the specific claim being advanced.

By repeating it in different words. Repetition and paraphrasing help emphasize the central message.

Technology fuels economic growth. Identifies technology as the driving force behind economic advancement.

To convey the primary argument or message. The main point communicates what the author most wants readers to understand.

They include ideas not discussed or exceed the passage’s scope. Overly broad choices extend beyond the passage's specific evidence and focus, failing to capture the precise claim.

To convince the reader of a particular viewpoint. The primary purpose is to influence reader opinion through argument.

“Climate shifts are altering regional rainfall patterns.”. The broader claim about climate impacts encompasses and explains the specific data point as supporting evidence.

However. This word signals opposition or an alternative to the main argument.

It is the most emphasized idea. Authors give the most attention and support to their central argument.

The thesis statement. The thesis typically appears early and states the main argument.

They overemphasize one example instead of the passage’s central claim. Vivid details can distract from the broader claim, leading to choices that misrepresent the passage's overall focus.

The thesis statement or conclusion. These sections explicitly state the author's central argument or claim.

They set up a counterpoint before the author’s main claim. Concession markers contrast opposing views, paving the way for the author's primary argument to emerge as the central point.

The device is worthwhile for clinics because it is accurate. The concessive phrasing emphasizes the author's endorsement of the device's value as the primary claim.

“Small policy incentives can increase recycling.”. The generalizable claim about incentives captures the main point, extending beyond the single example.

What is the author primarily arguing. This question focuses on the author's primary claim or argument.

Summarize each paragraph. Summarizing helps identify recurring themes and central ideas.

C) Thesis. A thesis presents the author's central argument or position.

It is the central focus or argument. The main point is the primary claim that other ideas support or relate to.

Public transit investments can reduce city congestion. The explanatory focus on benefits positions the reduction of congestion as the passage's core assertion.

They present the opposite conclusion or favor the wrong side. Reversed choices contradict the author's position, often by endorsing counterarguments dismissed in the passage.

It is supported by evidence throughout the text. The main point is reinforced by examples and reasoning throughout.

They claim the author proves causation when the passage only notes a link. Such traps misinterpret associative evidence as definitive proof of cause, overstating the passage's actual claims.

In conclusion. This phrase explicitly signals the author is about to state their main point.

The thesis or central argument. This is the fundamental term for an author's central message.

Confusing supporting details with the main point. Details support the main point rather than being the main point themselves.

Author's thesis or main point. Both terms refer to the author's central argument or position.

Central thesis. This term describes the overarching argument that unifies the entire text.

The results challenge the theory. The author's argument following the descriptions establishes the challenge to the theory as the central claim.

Evidence and examples. These concrete elements substantiate and strengthen the author's central claim.

No main point stated; this is methodology detail. Methodological descriptions provide supporting details without advancing an overarching argumentative claim.

Main point is the claim; tone is the author’s attitude. Tone conveys the author's emotional attitude or style, while the main point focuses on the substantive claim or argument presented.

The key claim about findings, causes, or implications. Scientific passages center on key assertions about research outcomes, underlying causes, or broader implications of the data.

The central takeaway the author emphasizes about the topic. In informative texts, the main point conveys the essential message or explanation the author imparts regarding the subject.

State the author’s claim in one sentence, using the passage’s scope. Condensing the author's position into a single sentence ensures alignment with the passage's overall focus and evidence.

A clear and assertive thesis statement. Direct statements often indicate the author's main argument.

Therefore. This transition word signals a conclusion or result of the author's reasoning.

It is broad enough to cover multiple paragraphs and evidence. A main point sentence typically encompasses the passage's scope, unifying various details under a broader argumentative framework.

The thesis statement or topic sentence. These sentences explicitly state the author's primary argument or focus.

Artistic style can reflect political change. The comparative analysis illustrates the reflective relationship, establishing it as the passage's main insight.

Main point is the core claim; details provide evidence or examples. Supporting details offer specific evidence or illustrations to bolster the overarching claim that constitutes the main point of the passage.

Check that most other sentences support, explain, or illustrate it. Verifying that the majority of the passage's content aligns in support of the sentence confirms its role as the central claim.

The overarching interpretation or insight, not the plot events. Narrative passages emphasize thematic insights or interpretations over mere recounting of events or historical facts.

“The novel critiques social ambition.”. The thematic critique represents the interpretive main point, unlike the superficial description of elements.

Main point is the thesis; summary recounts key ideas without arguing. A summary provides an overview of the passage's content, but the main point distills the author's central argumentative thesis.

A counterargument or rebuttal. Authors often address opposing views to strengthen their main argument.

No main point stated; this is definitional background. Definitions offer foundational context but do not constitute an argumentative or interpretive central claim.

“Despite concerns, the plan is necessary.”. The concessive response to critics asserts necessity as the main point, overriding the opposing views.

They describe only one paragraph or one piece of evidence. Narrow choices focus on isolated elements, neglecting the comprehensive claim that unifies the entire passage.

“The evidence supports the new approach.”. Listing studies serves as evidence, while the evaluative claim about their support forms the main point.

“Habitat loss is a key driver of bee decline.”. The selected option presents a causal claim supported by evidence, unlike the narrower factual statement.

“Protecting the river requires coordinated regulation.”. The requirement for coordination presents the strategic claim, beyond the basic factual description.

Museums should return certain artifacts to their origins. The explicit argumentative statement directly conveys the author's central position on the issue.

They often introduce or restate the author’s central claim. Such signals denote logical conclusions, often articulating the author's key claim derived from preceding evidence or arguments.

The central claim the author wants the reader to accept. This definition highlights the main point as the primary argument or thesis that the author seeks to persuade the reader to embrace based on the passage's content.

It sets context; it is usually not the author’s central claim. Background details provide necessary context but typically precede or support the author's explicit central claim.

They provide evidence or explanation for it. Supporting details exist to reinforce and validate the main argument.

The author urges adopting the proposed solution. The progression from problem to advocacy culminates in the call to action as the passage's main point.

To connect ideas and show relationships between them. Transitions create logical flow between sentences and paragraphs.

'Similarly'. Shows likeness or parallel ideas, while 'despite' shows opposition.

'Because'. This subordinating conjunction introduces causal reasoning.

It qualifies the claim by indicating frequency, not certainty. The adverb 'often' tempers the statement, suggesting commonality without implying universality in occurrences.

Determine the role it plays in the author’s meaning and structure. Identifying function involves analyzing how a specific word or phrase contributes to the overall argument, logic, or organization within the text.

To show a result or conclusion. Draws logical conclusions from preceding evidence.

To introduce specific examples or details. This word introduces precise clarification or specification.

It concedes a point before advancing the author’s position. The phrase 'to be sure' briefly validates criticism, building ethos before pivoting to the main viewpoint.

To introduce a contrast or concession. Introduces dependent clauses that present opposing viewpoints.

To indicate simultaneous events or actions. This adverb shows events happening at the same time.

Acknowledge a counterpoint before returning to the main claim. Concession phrases recognize opposing views, enhancing credibility before reinforcing the primary argument.

Emphasize a point and guide the reader’s response. Rhetorical questions engage readers directly, highlighting key ideas and prompting agreement without needing answers.

It restates the idea to clarify the author’s point. The phrase 'in other words' rephrases for emphasis, distilling the policy's implications into clearer terms.

'Likewise'. This adverb signals similarity or parallel ideas.

To connect ideas and provide flow between sentences or clauses. Transition words create smooth logical connections between ideas.

Introduce supporting evidence or illustration. Phrases such as 'for instance' provide concrete examples to strengthen and illustrate the author's general point.

To indicate the cause or reason for an effect. Establishes causal connections between events or ideas.

Clarify or rephrase an idea for precision. Restatement phrases refine complex ideas, ensuring clarity and accessibility in the author's explanation.

'Yet'. Presents unexpected contrast, while 'thus' shows result.

Function asks what it does; meaning asks what it denotes. Function focuses on the purpose or effect of a word in context, while meaning refers to its literal definition or connotation.

To indicate simultaneous events or actions. Shows events happening at the same time period.

'Because'. Establishes causal relationships, while 'meanwhile' shows timing.

'Nevertheless'. Shows contrast despite expectations, unlike 'likewise' which shows similarity.

To add information or ideas. Builds upon existing points with supplementary details.

To restate something in a clearer or simpler way. Clarifies meaning through alternative phrasing.

'Such as'. This phrase specifically introduces examples or illustrations.

It signals a cause-and-effect conclusion. The word 'therefore' links an observed problem to a resulting action, demonstrating causality in the argument.

Signal a conclusion drawn from prior information. Words like 'therefore' or 'thus' indicate logical progression, summarizing evidence to reach a reasoned outcome.

To indicate a consequence or outcome. Links causes to their effects or outcomes.

To concede a point while still maintaining a contrasting idea. Acknowledges validity while presenting opposing evidence.

Provide quantitative evidence to support a claim. Numerical data offers empirical support, making abstract claims more concrete and persuasive.

To add additional information or ideas. This transition extends or builds upon previous points.

To introduce an instance or illustration. Provides concrete cases to support general statements.

To indicate a logical conclusion or result. This transition shows cause-and-effect relationships.

It signals contrast between cost and effectiveness. The transition 'however' juxtaposes drawbacks with benefits, creating a nuanced evaluation in the sentence.

'For instance'. Introduces specific examples, while 'however' shows contrast.

To highlight differences between ideas or subjects. This phrase emphasizes opposing or different elements.

'Furthermore'. Adds supporting information, while 'despite' shows opposition.

Signal contrast or a shift to an opposing idea. Transitions like 'however' introduce opposition, helping to build a balanced argument by contrasting ideas.

To conclude or summarize the preceding points. Signals the final overview of main points discussed.

Limit a claim and reduce overstatement. Qualifiers moderate assertions, adding nuance to prevent absolute claims and reflect realistic probabilities.

To introduce a statement that contrasts with the previous one. Presents a direct opposition to the previous statement.

To indicate a consequence or logical conclusion. Signals results that follow from previous reasoning.

To indicate contrast or opposition. This transition signals a shift to an opposing viewpoint or idea.

What is the author trying to convey overall. This question focuses on the author's overarching message or purpose.

The author's central claim or thesis. This is the primary argument the author wants readers to accept.

They often signal the passage’s central claim or focus. Recurring elements underscore the author's primary focus, helping to identify the overarching claim amid supporting details.

Main point is a claim; topic is the subject area. The main point asserts a specific position or argument, whereas the topic merely identifies the general subject without conveying the author's stance.

The benefits outweigh the costs. The concluding evaluation prioritizes benefits, making it the author's overarching claim despite noted drawbacks.

“The evidence supports the new approach.”. Listing studies serves as evidence, while the evaluative claim about their support forms the main point.

Public transit investments can reduce city congestion. The explanatory focus on benefits positions the reduction of congestion as the passage's core assertion.

“The novel critiques social ambition.”. The thematic critique represents the interpretive main point, unlike the superficial description of elements.

The benefits outweigh the costs. The concluding evaluation prioritizes benefits, making it the author's overarching claim despite noted drawbacks.

“Climate shifts are altering regional rainfall patterns.”. The broader claim about climate impacts encompasses and explains the specific data point as supporting evidence.

Artistic style can reflect political change. The comparative analysis illustrates the reflective relationship, establishing it as the passage's main insight.

The central takeaway the author emphasizes about the topic. In informative texts, the main point conveys the essential message or explanation the author imparts regarding the subject.

The overarching interpretation or insight, not the plot events. Narrative passages emphasize thematic insights or interpretations over mere recounting of events or historical facts.

The key claim about findings, causes, or implications. Scientific passages center on key assertions about research outcomes, underlying causes, or broader implications of the data.

They overemphasize one example instead of the passage’s central claim. Vivid details can distract from the broader claim, leading to choices that misrepresent the passage's overall focus.

They overstate the author’s claim beyond what the passage supports. Extreme wording exaggerates the author's position, deviating from the nuanced or qualified claim in the passage.

They include ideas not discussed or exceed the passage’s scope. Overly broad choices extend beyond the passage's specific evidence and focus, failing to capture the precise claim.

They describe only one paragraph or one piece of evidence. Narrow choices focus on isolated elements, neglecting the comprehensive claim that unifies the entire passage.

They present the opposite conclusion or favor the wrong side. Reversed choices contradict the author's position, often by endorsing counterarguments dismissed in the passage.

They claim the author proves causation when the passage only notes a link. Such traps misinterpret associative evidence as definitive proof of cause, overstating the passage's actual claims.

“Habitat loss is a key driver of bee decline.”. The selected option presents a causal claim supported by evidence, unlike the narrower factual statement.

The policy improves safety and saves money overall. The concessive structure highlights the author's positive stance as the central claim despite opposition.

No main point stated; this is methodology detail. Methodological descriptions provide supporting details without advancing an overarching argumentative claim.

“The disaster exposed major safety failures.”. The interpretive claim about implications captures the main point, beyond the mere historical fact.

The device is worthwhile for clinics because it is accurate. The concessive phrasing emphasizes the author's endorsement of the device's value as the primary claim.

The results challenge the theory. The author's argument following the descriptions establishes the challenge to the theory as the central claim.

The process is more efficient than older methods. The emphasis on efficiency positions the comparative advantage as the author's central explanatory claim.

“Protecting the river requires coordinated regulation.”. The requirement for coordination presents the strategic claim, beyond the basic factual description.

The author urges adopting the proposed solution. The progression from problem to advocacy culminates in the call to action as the passage's main point.

“Expert consensus favors early intervention.”. Quotations provide evidence, but the consensus interpretation forms the author's primary claim.

Museums should return certain artifacts to their origins. The explicit argumentative statement directly conveys the author's central position on the issue.

“Despite concerns, the plan is necessary.”. The concessive response to critics asserts necessity as the main point, overriding the opposing views.

No main point stated; this is definitional background. Definitions offer foundational context but do not constitute an argumentative or interpretive central claim.

“Small policy incentives can increase recycling.”. The generalizable claim about incentives captures the main point, extending beyond the single example.

The central claim the author wants the reader to accept. This definition highlights the main point as the primary argument or thesis that the author seeks to persuade the reader to embrace based on the passage's content.

Main point is a claim; topic is the subject area. The main point asserts a specific position or argument, whereas the topic merely identifies the general subject without conveying the author's stance.

Main point is the core claim; details provide evidence or examples. Supporting details offer specific evidence or illustrations to bolster the overarching claim that constitutes the main point of the passage.

Main point is the thesis; summary recounts key ideas without arguing. A summary provides an overview of the passage's content, but the main point distills the author's central argumentative thesis.

Main point is what; purpose is why the author wrote it. The purpose reflects the author's intent in writing, such as to persuade or inform, distinct from the specific claim being advanced.

Main point is the claim; tone is the author’s attitude. Tone conveys the author's emotional attitude or style, while the main point focuses on the substantive claim or argument presented.

State the author’s claim in one sentence, using the passage’s scope. Condensing the author's position into a single sentence ensures alignment with the passage's overall focus and evidence.

Near the beginning or end, often in a thesis-like sentence. Argumentative passages often introduce or conclude with the thesis to frame the discussion or reinforce the central claim.

It is broad enough to cover multiple paragraphs and evidence. A main point sentence typically encompasses the passage's scope, unifying various details under a broader argumentative framework.

Check that most other sentences support, explain, or illustrate it. Verifying that the majority of the passage's content aligns in support of the sentence confirms its role as the central claim.

They often signal the passage’s central claim or focus. Recurring elements underscore the author's primary focus, helping to identify the overarching claim amid supporting details.

They set up a counterpoint before the author’s main claim. Concession markers contrast opposing views, paving the way for the author's primary argument to emerge as the central point.

They often introduce or restate the author’s central claim. Such signals denote logical conclusions, often articulating the author's key claim derived from preceding evidence or arguments.

It frames an issue; the main point is typically the answer that follows. Rhetorical questions engage readers and introduce the problem, with the main point emerging as the author's subsequent resolution.

It sets context; it is usually not the author’s central claim. Background details provide necessary context but typically precede or support the author's explicit central claim.

It typically supports the main point rather than stating it. Example-laden paragraphs furnish evidence to substantiate the broader claim stated elsewhere in the passage.

It acknowledges objections; the main point is the author’s response. Counterarguments address potential rebuttals, strengthening the author's main claim by demonstrating its superiority.

Provide quantitative evidence to support a claim. Numerical data offers empirical support, making abstract claims more concrete and persuasive.

Clarify or rephrase an idea for precision. Restatement phrases refine complex ideas, ensuring clarity and accessibility in the author's explanation.

Emphasize a point and guide the reader’s response. Rhetorical questions engage readers directly, highlighting key ideas and prompting agreement without needing answers.

Acknowledge a counterpoint before returning to the main claim. Concession phrases recognize opposing views, enhancing credibility before reinforcing the primary argument.

Limit a claim and reduce overstatement. Qualifiers moderate assertions, adding nuance to prevent absolute claims and reflect realistic probabilities.

Introduce supporting evidence or illustration. Phrases such as 'for instance' provide concrete examples to strengthen and illustrate the author's general point.

Signal a conclusion drawn from prior information. Words like 'therefore' or 'thus' indicate logical progression, summarizing evidence to reach a reasoned outcome.

Signal contrast or a shift to an opposing idea. Transitions like 'however' introduce opposition, helping to build a balanced argument by contrasting ideas.

Function asks what it does; meaning asks what it denotes. Function focuses on the purpose or effect of a word in context, while meaning refers to its literal definition or connotation.

Determine the role it plays in the author’s meaning and structure. Identifying function involves analyzing how a specific word or phrase contributes to the overall argument, logic, or organization within the text.

It concedes a point before advancing the author’s position. The phrase 'to be sure' briefly validates criticism, building ethos before pivoting to the main viewpoint.

It signals a cause-and-effect conclusion. The word 'therefore' links an observed problem to a resulting action, demonstrating causality in the argument.

It signals contrast between cost and effectiveness. The transition 'however' juxtaposes drawbacks with benefits, creating a nuanced evaluation in the sentence.

It qualifies the claim by indicating frequency, not certainty. The adverb 'often' tempers the statement, suggesting commonality without implying universality in occurrences.

It restates the idea to clarify the author’s point. The phrase 'in other words' rephrases for emphasis, distilling the policy's implications into clearer terms.

To indicate simultaneous events or actions. This adverb shows events happening at the same time.

C) Thesis. A thesis presents the author's central argument or position.

Technology fuels economic growth. Identifies technology as the driving force behind economic advancement.

Author's thesis or main point. Both terms refer to the author's central argument or position.

A clear and assertive thesis statement. Direct statements often indicate the author's main argument.

The thesis statement or conclusion. These sections explicitly state the author's central argument or claim.

To indicate contrast or opposition. This transition signals a shift to an opposing viewpoint or idea.

'Because'. This subordinating conjunction introduces causal reasoning.

To add additional information or ideas. This transition extends or builds upon previous points.

To highlight differences between ideas or subjects. This phrase emphasizes opposing or different elements.

'Such as'. This phrase specifically introduces examples or illustrations.

To introduce specific examples or details. This word introduces precise clarification or specification.

'Likewise'. This adverb signals similarity or parallel ideas.

The main idea. The main idea captures the paragraph's central focus.

The thesis statement. The thesis typically appears early and states the main argument.

The thesis or central argument. This is the fundamental term for an author's central message.

Summarize each paragraph. Summarizing helps identify recurring themes and central ideas.