SAT Reading / Comprehension

Summarizing a Passage

Part of the full libraryOpens January 2, 2027 · $97 for a year
What’s included
central ideaThe main point developed by a passage as a whole. Details, background, contrasting views, and qualifications help explain that point, but need not all directly support it.

You’ll leave with these skills

  1. Predict a passage’s main idea before you read the choicesRestate the point of each sentence in a few words of your own as you read, then pick the choice that keeps every point and connects them the way the passage does.
  2. Pick out the claim that a passage’s examples supportFind the one sentence the other sentences give examples of, and pick the choice that says what that sentence says.
  3. Keep a later limit or correction in your summary of the passageWatch for a later sentence with “however,” “though,” or “only,” and pick the choice that keeps what that sentence adds or corrects.
  4. Describe the order of a passage’s parts for a structure questionRestate each sentence in a few words, then pick the choice that lists the same parts in the same order.

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

Explore the full library