The main idea says what the whole passage adds up to.
A short passage about a pottery workshop shows a main idea that covers every sentence and a detail that covers only one. Two more passages show a summary that keeps both what people expected and what happened, and a cause the passage leaves uncertain. Then it asks which summary fits a passage about a girl who wants to read her poem aloud.
1The pottery workshop repairs cracked bowls.
2Broken handles are replaced, and worn glazes are renewed.
3Once unusable objects return to daily use.
Main idea
The workshop restores damaged pottery for daily use.
1Sum it up
2Check every sentence
3Keep its limits
You’ll leave with these skills
01Find the passage’s overall point
02When a passage corrects a belief, the main idea includes the belief and the correction
03Recognize the main idea in new words
This lesson is part of the full library
207 lessons that teach every skill the SAT tests
71Math
40Reading
24Grammar
10 full-length practice tests to build test-day stamina and confidence
A Desmos simulator to solve math questions faster
A step-by-step guide to every practice test question
The Bluebook Simulator, so test day feels familiar
A drawing for every key term, so new ideas make sense at a glance
