Key Takeaways
- Identify the main idea by asking 'What is the author's primary point?' - it's usually stated in the first or last paragraph.
- Supporting details provide evidence for the main idea through facts, examples, statistics, or expert opinions.
- Summarizing requires distinguishing essential information from minor details without adding interpretation.
- Making inferences means drawing logical conclusions from explicit information and context clues.
- This content area represents 35% of the Reading subtest (~17-22 questions).
Key Ideas and Details
This content area tests your ability to understand what a text says explicitly and to draw logical conclusions from the information presented. Representing 35% of the Reading subtest, these questions form the foundation of reading comprehension.
Content Area Overview
| Skill | Description | Question Types |
|---|---|---|
| Main Idea | Identify the central point or thesis | "What is the main idea?" "Which statement best summarizes the passage?" |
| Supporting Details | Recognize evidence that supports the main idea | "According to the passage..." "The author supports this claim by..." |
| Summarizing | Condense key information accurately | "Which choice best summarizes...?" "What is the main point of paragraph 2?" |
| Inferences | Draw logical conclusions from text | "It can be inferred that..." "The author implies..." |
Identifying the Main Idea
The main idea is the central point or primary message the author wants to convey. It answers the question: "What is this passage primarily about?"
Where to Find the Main Idea
| Location | Description | Example Signal |
|---|---|---|
| First paragraph | Often stated in the introduction or thesis | "This essay argues..." "The primary purpose..." |
| Last paragraph | May be restated in the conclusion | "In conclusion..." "Ultimately..." |
| Repeated throughout | Key concepts that appear multiple times | Same idea in different words |
| Implied | Not directly stated but evident from details | Must be inferred from evidence |
Main Idea vs. Topic
- Topic: The general subject (what the passage is about)
- Main Idea: The specific point about the topic (what the author says about it)
Example:
- Topic: Solar energy
- Main Idea: Solar energy is becoming more cost-effective than fossil fuels for residential use.
Strategy: The "So What?" Test
After reading a passage, ask yourself: "So what? What point is the author making?" Your answer should capture the main idea, not just describe what the passage discusses.
Analyzing Supporting Details
Supporting details provide evidence, examples, or explanations that reinforce the main idea. Strong readers distinguish between major details (essential to understanding) and minor details (additional but not crucial).
Types of Supporting Details
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Facts | Verifiable information | "The study included 500 participants." |
| Statistics | Numerical data | "75% of teachers reported..." |
| Examples | Specific instances | "For instance, in California..." |
| Expert opinions | Quotes from authorities | "According to Dr. Smith..." |
| Anecdotes | Brief stories | "One student described how..." |
| Comparisons | Similarities/differences | "Unlike traditional methods..." |
Major vs. Minor Details
| Major Details | Minor Details |
|---|---|
| Directly support the main idea | Add interest or elaboration |
| Essential for understanding | Could be removed without losing meaning |
| Often appear multiple times | Usually mentioned once |
| Answer "Why?" or "How?" | Add "When?" "Where?" specifics |
Summarizing
Summarizing requires condensing a passage to its essential points while maintaining accuracy. This skill tests whether you can identify what matters most.
Effective Summarizing Strategies
- Identify the main idea first - Everything else supports this
- Include only major details - Skip examples unless crucial
- Use your own words - Paraphrase, don't copy
- Maintain the author's intent - Don't add your opinion
- Keep proportional emphasis - If the author spends more time on X, your summary should reflect that
Common Summary Mistakes
| Mistake | Why It's Wrong | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Too specific | Focuses on minor details | Including every statistic |
| Too broad | Loses the specific argument | "This is about education" |
| Adds interpretation | Includes reader's opinion | "The author wrongly states..." |
| Missing key points | Omits major ideas | Skipping the conclusion |
| Inaccurate | Misrepresents the author | Reversing the author's position |
Making Inferences
An inference is a logical conclusion drawn from evidence in the text, even when not explicitly stated. Inference questions require you to "read between the lines."
The Inference Formula
Text Evidence + Background Knowledge = Inference
The best inferences are:
- Strongly supported by textual evidence
- Logical (not a leap)
- Consistent with the passage's tone and purpose
Inference Question Stems
- "It can be inferred from the passage that..."
- "The author most likely believes..."
- "Based on the passage, which statement is most accurate?"
- "The passage suggests that..."
- "Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?"
Avoiding Inference Traps
| Trap | Description | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Over-inference | Going beyond what the text supports | Stick to what's provable from the passage |
| Outside knowledge | Using information not in the passage | Only use passage evidence |
| Absolute statements | Choosing "always" or "never" options | Prefer moderate language |
| Opposite meaning | Misreading the author's position | Re-read relevant sections |
Practice Approach for Key Ideas Questions
- Read actively - Underline or note main points mentally
- Identify structure - Is it cause/effect? Compare/contrast? Problem/solution?
- Summarize each paragraph - One sentence per paragraph
- Predict the answer - Before looking at choices
- Eliminate wrong answers - Often 2-3 are clearly incorrect
A passage discusses various renewable energy sources, spends three paragraphs on solar power benefits, one paragraph on wind energy limitations, and concludes that solar power offers the best solution for residential energy needs. What is the main idea?
Which of the following would be considered a MAJOR supporting detail for a passage arguing that physical education should be required in all schools?
A passage states: "Dr. Martinez has studied childhood literacy for 20 years. Her research shows that children who read for pleasure at home score significantly higher on standardized tests. She notes that even 15 minutes of daily reading makes a measurable difference." Based on this passage, it can be inferred that:
Which summary best captures a passage about the benefits of bilingual education that discusses cognitive advantages, career opportunities, and cultural awareness?