Identifying the Main Claim — Identify the sentence that...

SECTION 1

Why Finding the Main Claim Matters

People have been making arguments for thousands of years. In ancient Greece, thinkers like Aristotle taught students how to build strong arguments. One of his biggest ideas was that every good argument starts with a clear, central point — what we now call the main claim. This idea has shaped how we read, write, and think to this day.

On the SHSAT, you will see passages where the writer is trying to make a point. Your job is to figure out which sentence best states that point. This skill does not just help you on the test. It helps you understand articles, essays, and even conversations in everyday life.

~350 BC

Aristotle's Rhetoric

Aristotle taught that every persuasive speech needs a clear central claim supported by evidence and logic.

1700s

Rise of the Essay

Writers began crafting essays with a thesis statement — one sentence that tells the reader the writer's main point.

1900s

Standardized Reading Tests

Schools started using tests to see if students could find the main idea in a passage. This skill became central to reading comprehension exams.

Today

SHSAT Revising & Editing

The SHSAT Part A tests whether you can identify the sentence that best states the main claim of a short passage.

So here is the big question this lesson answers: How do you look at a passage and find the one sentence that captures the writer's main claim? Let's break it down step by step.

SECTION 2

Core Principles & Definitions

Before we practice, you need to understand a few key ideas. These are the building blocks for finding the main claim every time.

Main Claim

The main claim is the writer's central argument or most important point. It is the one idea the whole passage is built around.

Supporting Details

Supporting details are facts, examples, or reasons that back up the main claim. They help prove the writer's point, but they are NOT the main claim itself.

Topic vs. Main Claim

The topic is what the passage is about (e.g., "school lunches"). The main claim is what the writer says about the topic (e.g., "School lunches should include more fresh fruits").

Too Broad vs. Too Narrow

A sentence that is too broad covers more than the passage discusses. A sentence that is too narrow only covers one small detail. The main claim is right in the middle.

✦ KEY TAKEAWAY

Think of a passage like a pizza. The main claim is the whole pizza — it holds everything together. The supporting details are the slices — each one is a piece, but no single slice is the whole pizza. If someone asks, "What did you eat?" you say "pizza," not "a pepperoni" or "some cheese." That is what finding the main claim is like: naming the whole thing, not just one piece.

SECTION 3

How a Passage Is Organized

The diagram below shows how a passage is built. The main claim sits at the top like the roof of a house. Everything else — the details, examples, and explanations — supports it from underneath.

The main claim sits at the top. All supporting details connect back to it. A conclusion often restates the claim at the end.

Notice how the main claim is at the very top. Every supporting detail is connected to it. When you read a passage on the SHSAT, imagine building this house in your head. Ask yourself: "What is the roof? What is holding everything together?" That roof is your main claim.

SECTION 4

The Step-by-Step Strategy

Finding the main claim is not about guessing. You can follow a clear process every time. Here is a four-step strategy you can use on any SHSAT passage.

The 4-Step Main Claim Strategy

Step 1 — Read the whole passage first. Do not stop after the first sentence. You need to see the full picture before you can name the main claim.
Step 2 — Identify the topic. Ask: "What is this passage mostly about?" Write a one- or two-word answer (e.g., "urban gardens" or "space exploration").
Step 3 — Ask, 'What does the writer say about the topic?' The answer to this question is the main claim. It is not just the subject — it is the writer's opinion, argument, or key point about that subject.
Step 4 — Test your choice. Look at each other sentence in the passage. Do most of them support or explain the sentence you picked? If yes, you have found the main claim. If not, try again.

Follow these four steps from top to bottom. Each step narrows your focus until you land on the main claim.

💡 SHSAT Tip

On the real test, the question usually says something like: "Which sentence best states the main claim of the passage?" You will pick from four answer choices. Use Step 4 (the test) to eliminate wrong answers. If a sentence only covers one paragraph or one detail, it is too narrow.

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Common Traps & How to Avoid Them

The SHSAT includes wrong answers that look right if you are not careful. These are called distractors (tricky answer choices designed to distract you). Let's look at the most common traps.

Four common SHSAT distractor types and how to beat them

Trap Type	What It Looks Like	How to Spot It
Too Narrow	A true statement from the passage, but it only covers one detail or one paragraph.	Ask: "Does this cover the whole passage, or just one part?" If just one part, it is too narrow.
Too Broad	A general statement that is bigger than what the passage actually discusses.	Ask: "Does the passage really talk about all of this?" If the passage only discusses one part of the statement, it is too broad.
Off-Topic	A statement that sounds smart or important but is not actually discussed in the passage.	Ask: "Can I point to sentences in the passage that support this?" If you cannot, it is off-topic.
First-Sentence Trick	Students assume the main claim is always the first sentence. Sometimes it is, but not always.	Read the entire passage. The main claim can appear in the first, second, or even last sentence.

Use the Goldilocks Test: the main claim should be not too broad, not too narrow, but just right — matching the full scope of the passage.

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Worked Example: Finding the Main Claim

Let's walk through a sample SHSAT-style passage together. Read the passage below, then follow the steps.

📖 Sample Passage

(1) Community gardens have become increasingly popular in cities across the United States. (2) These gardens transform empty lots into green spaces where neighbors grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers. (3) Cities should invest more funding in community gardens because they improve public health, strengthen neighborhoods, and make urban areas more attractive. (4) Studies show that people who garden regularly eat more fruits and vegetables than those who do not. (5) In addition, community gardens bring together people of different ages and backgrounds, creating a sense of belonging. (6) Research from the University of Pennsylvania found that neighborhoods with gardens saw a 30 percent drop in certain types of crime. (7) With so many benefits, it is clear that community gardens deserve greater support.

Applying the 4-Step Strategy

Step 1 — Read the Whole PassageWe read all seven sentences from start to finish. We notice the passage is about community gardens and why they are valuable.

Step 2 — Identify the TopicThe topic is community gardens. Almost every sentence mentions them.

Topic: community gardens

Step 3 — What Does the Writer Say About the Topic?The writer argues that cities should fund community gardens more because of their many benefits. This is not just a fact — it is an opinion or argument. Look at sentence (3): "Cities should invest more funding in community gardens because they improve public health, strengthen neighborhoods, and make urban areas more attractive." This sentence makes a clear claim and lists three reasons.

Possible main claim: Sentence (3)

Step 4 — Test the ChoiceLet's check. Sentences (1) and (2) introduce the topic. Sentence (4) supports the "public health" reason. Sentence (5) supports the "strengthen neighborhoods" reason. Sentence (6) provides evidence about safety (making areas more attractive). Sentence (7) wraps up by restating the claim. Every sentence either introduces or supports sentence (3).

✓ Main Claim = Sentence (3) — "Cities should invest more funding in community gardens because they improve public health, strengthen neighborhoods, and make urban areas more attractive."

⚠️ Why Not Sentence (7)?

Sentence (7) says gardens "deserve greater support," which sounds a lot like the main claim. However, it is a conclusion — it restates the claim in a simpler way. On the SHSAT, the best main claim is the sentence that is most specific and complete. Sentence (3) gives the argument AND the three reasons, making it the stronger choice.

SECTION 7

Main Claim vs. Supporting Detail

One of the hardest parts of this question type is telling the difference between a main claim and a supporting detail. Both are true, and both are in the passage. So how do you tell them apart?

Quick comparison: Main Claim vs. Supporting Detail

Feature	Main Claim	Supporting Detail
Scope	Covers the whole passage	Covers only one part or paragraph
Purpose	States the writer's main argument or point	Gives evidence, an example, or a reason
Tone	Often uses opinion words: should, must, important, best	Often uses fact words: studies show, for example, according to
Other sentences…	…support and explain THIS sentence	…do NOT all point back to this sentence
Can it stand alone?	Yes — it summarizes the writer's overall message	Not really — it needs the main claim for context

✦ KEY TAKEAWAY

Imagine you are telling a friend about a movie in just one sentence. You would say, "It's about a kid who saves the world by solving riddles." You would NOT say, "There's a scene where she opens a locked door." The first sentence is like the main claim — it captures the big picture. The second is a supporting detail — just one small moment from the story.

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Connecting to Bigger Reading Skills

Finding the main claim is not just an SHSAT trick. It is a skill you will use in high school, college, and beyond. As passages get more complex, the same basic idea still applies — but the challenge grows.

How this skill grows with you

Skill Level	SHSAT (Now)	High School & Beyond
Passage Length	5–8 sentences	Multiple paragraphs or full essays
Claim Location	Usually in the first few sentences	Can appear anywhere, even implied (not stated directly)
Answer Format	Pick the best sentence from the passage	You may need to write the main idea in your own words
Complexity	One main claim, clearly stated	May have a main claim plus sub-claims for each section

In high school, you will write essays with your own thesis statements (a thesis is just another name for a main claim). So by learning to find the main claim in other people's writing now, you are also getting ready to create strong claims in your own writing later.

🔭 Looking Ahead

In advanced courses, you will learn about implied main ideas — when an author never states the claim directly, and you have to figure it out from the details. For now, the SHSAT gives you passages where the main claim IS stated. That makes this a great place to build your skills.

SECTION 9

Practice Problems

Now it is your turn! Try each problem, then check the answer. Use the 4-step strategy for every one.

PROBLEM 1 — CONCEPTUAL

In your own words, what is the difference between a main claim and a supporting detail?

PROBLEM 2 — BASIC

Read the following passage and identify the main claim. (1) Many students feel stressed during exam week. (2) Schools should create quiet study rooms for students to use during exam periods. (3) A recent survey found that 70 percent of students said they had nowhere quiet to study at school. (4) Libraries are often full, and hallways are noisy. (5) Having a dedicated study room would give students a calm place to prepare. Which sentence best states the main claim?

PROBLEM 3 — INTERMEDIATE

Read the following passage. (1) Every year, millions of plastic bags end up in the ocean. (2) Sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and eat them. (3) Single-use plastic bags should be banned in coastal cities to protect marine life. (4) Several cities in California have already banned plastic bags and seen cleaner beaches as a result. (5) Reusable bags are affordable and widely available. (6) Taking this step would save countless animals from unnecessary harm. A student says the main claim is sentence (1). Explain why this is incorrect and identify the correct main claim.

PROBLEM 4 — APPLIED

Read the following passage. (1) Outdoor recess gives students a chance to run, jump, and play with their classmates. (2) During recess, children develop social skills by resolving conflicts and cooperating in games. (3) Some schools have cut recess time to add more instructional minutes to the school day. (4) Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that physical activity improves concentration in class. (5) Reducing recess time is a mistake because active breaks help students learn better, build friendships, and stay healthy. Which sentence best states the main claim? Explain your reasoning and explain why each other sentence is not the main claim.

PROBLEM 5 — CRITICAL THINKING

Read the following passage. (1) Learning a musical instrument takes years of practice. (2) Students who play instruments tend to score higher on math tests, according to a study by the University of British Columbia. (3) Playing music also teaches patience, discipline, and teamwork. (4) Many parents worry about the cost of music lessons. (5) However, many schools offer free or low-cost instrument programs. (6) Some people argue that music education is less important than core subjects like math and science. This passage does NOT have one clear main claim sentence. Based on what you have learned, write a sentence that could serve as the main claim for this passage. Then explain why the passage needs one.

SUMMARY

Lesson Summary

The main claim is the single most important sentence in a passage — it tells you the writer's central argument or point. On the SHSAT Revising and Editing section, you will be asked to pick the sentence that best states this claim. To find it, use the 4-step strategy: (1) read the whole passage, (2) identify the topic, (3) ask what the writer says about that topic, and (4) test your choice by checking that other sentences support it.

Watch out for common traps: answers that are too broad (bigger than the passage), too narrow (only one detail), or off-topic. Use the Goldilocks Test — the right answer is not too big, not too small, but just right. Remember: the main claim is the "roof" of the passage that all supporting details hold up. Master this skill now, and you will be ready for SHSAT success and strong reading comprehension for years to come.