What the passage is really about
Before you read
Test yourself first: 5 questions
Question 1 of 5
The main idea of a paragraph is usually found in the:
Answer: B. The topic sentence typically states the paragraph's main idea.
Question 2 of 5
The 'topic' of a passage is:
Answer: B. The topic is the general subject the passage discusses; the main idea is the point made about that topic.
Question 3 of 5
The topic sentence of a paragraph usually states the:
Answer: B. A topic sentence introduces the paragraph's main idea; the rest of the paragraph supports it.
Question 4 of 5
Read: 'Dogs can be trained to guide the blind, detect illness, and assist people with disabilities.' The main idea is that dogs can be trained to:
Answer: B. Each example shows dogs helping people, which is the main idea.
Question 5 of 5
Read: 'Exercise, enough sleep, and a balanced diet all support good health.' The main idea is that:
Answer: B. The sentence groups several habits that support health — that is the main idea.
Keep the streak going with more questions like these, each with a full rationale.
