Reading Comprehension: How to Find the Main Idea and Evidence

Read for the Author's Purpose

A passage is not a collection of equally important sentences. Before looking at answer choices, ask what the author is trying to do: explain a process, defend a position, compare approaches, describe a problem, or evaluate a proposed solution.

The main idea is usually broad enough to cover the whole passage but specific enough to distinguish it from a topic label. 'Urban transport' is a topic. 'Reliable public transport can improve access to work when cities combine frequency with affordable fares' is a possible main idea.

Separate Claims, Evidence, and Examples

A claim is an idea the author wants you to accept. Evidence supports it through data, observations, research, or reasoning. An example illustrates the point but may not prove it on its own. Marking these roles while reading makes questions about tone and structure easier.

Pay attention to transitions. Words such as however, therefore, although, for example, and in contrast reveal relationships between ideas. The sentence after a contrast often contains the author's qualification or most important shift.

Answer Inference Questions Carefully

An inference must be supported by the passage even when it is not stated word for word. Eliminate options that introduce outside knowledge, extreme language, or a claim broader than the evidence. A plausible statement is not necessarily a valid inference.

For vocabulary-in-context questions, replace the word with each option and read the sentence again. The correct meaning is the one that fits the author's logic, not necessarily the most common dictionary meaning.

A Timed Practice Routine

For one week, practise one passage without a timer and write a one-sentence summary before answering questions. On the next week, add a moderate time limit and review why each wrong option was tempting. Record whether the problem was comprehension, vocabulary, rushing, or evidence tracking.

Do not reread the full passage for every question. Return to the relevant paragraph, locate the evidence, and compare the wording of the option with the wording and scope of the text.

Editorial note: reading speed develops through regular reading of varied, well-edited material. Speed without accurate evidence tracking usually lowers performance.