Reading Comprehension • Topic 1 of 4

Main Idea & Title

Main-idea and title questions ask what the whole passage is about, not one detail. The answer covers the entire passage — not too broad and not too narrow. The opening/closing sentences and any repeated theme point to it.

The four question types

TypeWhat it asksWhere to look
Main idea / titlethe whole passage's pointopening & closing lines, repeated theme
Inferencewhat is impliedread between the lines (small step)
Vocabulary-in-contexta word's meaning herethe sentence around the word
Detail / factsomething statedscan back to the exact line
Main idea = the whole passage. Reject options that are too narrow (one detail/paragraph) or too broad (a vague generality beyond the text). The right title fits the entire passage exactly.

✅ Solved examples

1. What does a "main idea" answer have to cover?
The whole passage — not one detail and not a vague generality.
2. Where do clues to the main idea usually sit?
The opening and closing sentences and any repeated theme.
3. Why reject a "too narrow" title option?
It covers only one detail/paragraph, not the whole passage.
4. Should the title come from outside knowledge?
No — it must reflect the passage itself.

✏️ Practice — try these, take hints as needed

1. A good title is neither too broad nor too ___.
Opposite of broad.
—
—
narrow
2. The main idea should reflect the ___ passage.
Scope.
—
—
whole / entire
3. An option restating only one example is too ___.
Scope.
—
—
narrow
4. Repeated themes across paragraphs hint at the ___.
Central point.
—
—
main idea
5. Should the main idea include your opinion?
From text only.
—
—
No

📝 Topic test — 8 questions

Auto-graded with full solutions; saved to your dashboard. Use the calculator and formula sheet (top-right) any time.

Loading questions…
Inference & Tone →