Reading

📖 Main idea

Ask: “What is this mostly about?” The main idea covers the whole passage, not one juicy detail.

• The first and last sentences often hint at it — but not always.
• If an answer is true but too narrow, it’s probably a detail, not the main idea.
• If an answer needs facts the passage never said, it’s out.

🔍 Habits that score

1. Read the question, then hunt in the passage — don’t answer from memory.
2. For “according to the passage,” quote-check the line.
3. Tone words: frustrated is not the same as furious. Pick the milder or stronger fit the author actually used.