In a paragraph (non Literary), when the main idea is stated directly, it is expressed in what is called the topic sentence. It gives the overarching idea of what the paragraph is about and is supported by the details in subsequent sentences in the paragraph.

In a multi-paragraph (non Literary) passage the main idea is expressed in the thesis statement, which is then supported by individual smaller points.

Think of the main idea (all passage types) as a brief but all-encompassing summary. It covers everything the paragraph talks about in a general way, but does not include the specifics.

Facts and details that support the main idea will come in later sentences or paragraphs and add nuance and context; the main idea will need those details to support its argument.

Finding the main idea is critical to understanding what you are reading. It helps the details make sense and have relevance, and provides a framework for remembering the content (choose what applies):

Writers of multiple choice tests are often tricky and will give you distractor questions that sound much like the real answer. You should avoid:

Theme relates to:

How do we determine the theme of a passage?

Some common literary themes are:

The author's purpose is basically the reason he or she chose to act in a particular way, whether that's writing the passage, selecting a phrase, using a word, etc.

AUTHOR's PURPOSE differs from the main idea in that author's purpose is not the point of the passage that you're supposed to get or understand; rather, it's the why behind why the author picked up a pen or selected those words in the first place.

Select the common reasons why authors write:

Author's attitude refers to: