Author's Main Point - SAT Reading & Writing

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

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

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

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

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

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

'Because'. This subordinating conjunction introduces causal reasoning.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To highlight differences between ideas. Emphasizes distinctions and opposing characteristics.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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