How to Find the Central Idea in SAT Reading Passages
on 19 hours ago
What is the Central Idea?
The central idea is the author's main point—the reason the passage exists.
Think of it like the thesis of a short essay.
How to Spot It Fast
- Check the intro & conclusion — usually where the author states the big idea.
- Ignore details at first — don't get distracted by data or examples.
- Ask: what’s the passage really about?
What Central Idea Questions Look Like
- “Which choice best summarizes the passage?”
- “The author’s primary claim is...”
- “What is the main purpose of the passage?”
Common Mistakes
- Picking a supporting detail instead of the main point
- Confusing tone with purpose
Practice on Our Platform
We tag all questions with Central Idea skills so you can:
- 🔁 Filter and practice only these
- 📉 See your central idea accuracy trend
- 📌 Review AI explanations for wrong picks
Ready to get the big picture? Let’s go.