SAT Reading & Writing: Information and Ideas
Which of the following statements best describes the main idea of a passage, according to the provided text?
The main idea is a minor detail that supports the author's claims.
The main idea is the central point or focus of the passage, similar to the author's thesis statement.
The main idea is a collection of random facts and examples.
The main idea is always explicitly stated at the end of the passage.
If the main idea of a passage is not directly stated, how can a reader infer it?
By ignoring the supporting details and focusing on personal opinions.
By analyzing the supporting details provided by the author.
By only reading the first and last sentences of each paragraph.
By assuming the main idea is always related to the reader's personal experiences.
Which of the following is the LEAST accurate description of the relationship between the main idea and supporting details?
Supporting details develop, clarify, and prove the main idea.
Supporting details are random facts that may or may not relate to the main idea.
Understanding the relationship between the main idea and supporting details is key to comprehension.
Analyzing supporting details helps you infer implied main ideas.
According to the passage, which of the following is a primary role of supporting details?
To introduce new, unrelated topics.
To distract the reader from the main idea.
To reinforce and clarify the central point of the passage.
To contradict the author's main argument.
The author uses the analogy of a tree to explain the relationship between main ideas and supporting details. In this analogy, what does the trunk of the tree represent?
Supporting details
The introduction
The main idea
Rhetorical strategies
What type of supporting detail is used in the following sentence: 'A recent study showed that 85% of students find the AP SAT Reading section challenging'?
Anecdote
Statistic
Description
Example
How do supporting details contribute to the development of a complex main idea?
They oversimplify the main idea for easier understanding.
They introduce unrelated topics, confusing the reader.
They provide evidence and clarification, making the main idea more believable and understandable.
They contradict the main idea, creating ambiguity.

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According to the passage, where do authors typically introduce central ideas in a text?
In the conclusion
In the middle paragraphs
In the introduction or the first few paragraphs
Randomly throughout the text
How do authors typically develop the central idea as a passage progresses?
By contradicting the initial idea.
By ignoring the central idea and focusing on minor details.
By adding depth, complexity, or nuance to the initial idea.
By keeping the central idea static and unchanging.
When analyzing how an author develops a central idea, what should readers pay attention to?
The font size and style used in the text.
Subtle shifts in tone, emphasis, or direction within the passage.
The number of paragraphs in the passage.
The author's personal background and beliefs.