We will begin the Reading section of our ParaPro Study Guide with a discussion of the main idea. Questions on the ParaPro Reading test will be based on short passages, and the study guide below will ensure that you can identify and answer questions regarding the main idea of any passage.
The Main Idea
The main idea of a story is the author’s primary message or purpose in writing. It is the crux of the information presented. It is not a summary, a list of details, or, oftentimes, even something explicitly stated in the text. Most times, the reader must uncover the main idea themselves from the information presented.
The biggest mistake students make in identifying the main idea is overthinking it. When figuring out the main idea, start by asking yourself the following questions:
- What message is the writer trying to convey?
- What is the text about?
- What is the primary purpose of the passage?
You can also use the following three key areas to discern the main idea:
- The title. Many times this can give you a clue to what the main idea is.
- The introduction. If the text is multiple paragraphs and is separated into body paragraphs, pay close attention to the beginning of the text. Many times, the introduction summarizes the central idea of the information to come.
- Words used repeatedly throughout the passage. These words can give you an idea of the message the author is trying to convey.
Before even looking at answer options to a question about the main idea, it’s a good idea to ask yourself, “So, what’s the point of this whole reading?” and try answering it in your own words.
Example 1
Florida: The Perfect Escape
Come February and March, college students take a break from the stresses of school and welcome in spring break. The most popular place they flock to is Florida. The Florida weather is warm most of the year and the beaches are some of the best in the country, especially in March when it’s 70 degrees. Those from the north look for any chance they can to escape the snow and feel a little sun on their skin. The state also has many popular attractions along the beaches and in the main cities, particularly near Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville.
Which of the following is the main idea of the passage?
- Florida has many wonderful beaches
- Florida is a popular spot for spring breakers
- Florida has a warm, tropical climate
- Florida is a great place for you to go and get a tan
Ask yourself, “What is the message that the author is trying to convey to the reader?” Even further, if you were to make an outline of this passage, what would the section header be and what would the details be? The section header is your main idea.
Reading the title and the opening sentences can many times give you the answer you’re looking for. This is the perfect example. By reading that college students are looking to take a break from the stresses of school and that they take that break in Florida, we know we can eliminate options (A), (C), and (D). Those are specific details about Florida, but they are not the purpose of the story. Rather, the author communicates to the reader early on that Florida is a popular spot for spring breakers, and the rest of the passage gives details to back that up.
The Primary Purpose
The purpose of a passage is similar to the main idea, but you might find that the questions are phrased differently. Instead of asking, “What is the main idea of the passage?” the ParaPro exam will ask “The passage is primarily concerned with…” and give you four options. Don’t be confused with the wording; you’ll have the same approach as to figuring out the main idea. “What is at the heart of what the author is communicating?”
The answer options will usually be written as verb phrases, starting with words like “informing,” “persuading,” or “showing.” While reading, think to yourself if a passage is just trying to communicate facts to a reader or is arguing a certain stance. Does the author use persuasive phrases like “everyone should do this”? Do they address a counterargument? Does the author cite any statistics or tell a story from personal experience? The tone, word choice, and structure of a passage can all give clues as to what the primary purpose is.
Example 2
Canine Companionship
Dogs are considered a man’s best friend. Not only are they dependable, but they are also a shoulder to cry on when you need it. They make for great cuddle partners when you’re watching a movie. There’s nothing like the feeling of coming home from work and having your dog come up to you and wrap his paws around your leg, welcoming you home. Of course, they come with their frustrations at times, like shedding fur and going to the bathroom in places you don’t want them to – but when you weigh the pros and cons, having a dog in your home is definitely worth it.
The passage is primarily concerned with:
- Showing that dogs can be frustrating at times
- Explaining that dogs can be a great pet for someone
- Telling the audience that dogs make great cuddle partners
- Making the reader feel happy
Again, ask yourself what is the author trying to tell you. Clearly, they are trying to illustrate how dogs can be great pets and the reasons why. Therefore, option (B) is the best choice. The rest of the options are just details that support option (B).
You should now have all the tools for identifying a main idea in your toolkit, from scanning important areas of the text to summarizing its purpose for yourself before reading any questions. Test your knowledge on main ideas with our quick review quiz below.