01 Comprehension and summary
Finding the main idea
Read this lesson
What you should be able to do
- Separate the central point from an illustration
- Identify a suitable passage title
Understand it
A main idea states what a passage says about its subject. The subject may be transport; the main idea may be that a school bus reduced lateness. A title should cover the whole passage, rather than its most memorable detail.
A topic sentence often introduces a paragraph, but it may appear later or remain implied. Check the opening, repeated ideas and conclusion before deciding. Supporting figures and examples explain the point without replacing it.
Original passage: The school introduced a bus for pupils living beyond the bridge. In its first month, late arrivals from that area fell sharply. Some families still preferred walking, but teachers reported that lessons now began with fewer interruptions.
Work through an example
What is the main idea of the original passage?
Explanation: The bus improved punctuality and reduced classroom disruption. The bridge identifies the area served; it is not the main subject.
Watch out: Do not choose an answer merely because it repeats a word in the passage.
2 practice questions with answers
Try each question before opening its answer. These are original CampusNinja practice questions.
Question 1
Read: A library extended its evening hours. Workers who could not visit during the day began borrowing books. Evening attendance doubled. Which title fits best?
Show answer and explanation
Answer C: Longer hours improve library access
Every sentence supports the same development: extended opening hours allowed more people to use the library. The correct title covers that main idea. Printing books, disliking reading and permanent closure are not supported by the passage; avoid adding claims the writer did not make.
Question 2
Read: School gardens provide vegetables. They also help pupils observe plant growth and work together. What is the central point?
Show answer and explanation
Answer B: School gardens have several benefits
The passage lists three benefits: vegetables, observing growth and working together. “Several benefits” includes all three. The alternatives either make unsupported universal claims about illness or school ownership, or narrow the message to vegetables alone.