ISEE Lower Level Reading Comprehension

Learn how to understand, analyze, and answer questions about reading passages for the ISEE Lower Level exam.

Finding the Main IdeaUnderstanding DetailsFiguring Out Vocabulary in Context
Making InferencesUnderstanding Author’s PurposeComparing and Contrasting Information
Applying Reading Comprehension to Everyday LifeUsing Context Clues in Daily ConversationsRecognizing Main Ideas in Media
Read the Questions FirstEliminate Wrong AnswersCheck Your Answers
Finding the Main Ide...Understanding Detail...Figuring Out Vocabul...Making InferencesUnderstanding Author...Comparing and Contra...Applying Reading Com...Using Context Clues ...Recognizing Main Ide...Read the Questions F...Eliminate Wrong Answ...Check Your Answers
Basic Concepts

Finding the Main Idea

What is the Main Idea?

The main idea is the big message or the most important point of a passage. Every story or article has a main idea, and all the other details help support it.

How to Find the Main Idea

  • Look at the first and last sentences. These often tell you what the passage is mostly about.
  • Ask yourself: What is the author trying to tell me?
  • Ignore the extra details. Focus on what every paragraph seems to be talking about.

Why is it Important?

Understanding the main idea helps you answer many questions quickly and accurately.

Tips

  • Try summarizing the passage in one sentence.
  • Look for repeated words or phrases.

Real-World Connection

When you read news articles, knowing the main idea helps you understand the story quickly!

Examples

  • In a passage about dogs being good pets, the main idea is that dogs make great companions for people.

  • If the passage describes how plants grow, the main idea might be that sunlight and water are necessary for plant growth.

In a Nutshell

The main idea is the central point of a passage—what it's mostly about.

Key Terms

Main Idea
The most important point the author wants to communicate in a passage.
Supporting Details
Facts, examples, or descriptions that explain or prove the main idea.
Next
Understanding Details