SSAT Middle Level Reading

A subject designed to help students master reading comprehension skills needed for the SSAT Middle Level test.

Understanding Main IdeasIdentifying Supporting DetailsMaking Inferences
Analyzing Author’s Purpose and ToneUnderstanding Vocabulary in ContextComparing and Contrasting Information
Applying Reading Skills to Science TextsReading for Everyday DecisionsUnderstanding Nonfiction and Fiction Differences
Time Management During the TestElimination Techniques for Multiple ChoiceCareful Reading and Note-Taking
Understanding Main I...Identifying Supporti...Making InferencesAnalyzing Author’s P...Understanding Vocabu...Comparing and Contra...Applying Reading Ski...Reading for Everyday...Understanding Nonfic...Time Management Duri...Elimination Techniqu...Careful Reading and ...
Basic Concepts

Understanding Main Ideas

What are Main Ideas?

The main idea of a passage is the central point or the most important message the author wants to share. Think of it as the "big picture" of everything you're reading.

How to Find the Main Idea

  • Look for repeated themes or words.
  • Ask yourself: What is the passage mostly about?
  • Check the first and last sentences: Authors often reveal the main idea here.

Why Main Ideas Matter

Knowing the main idea helps you understand what the author is trying to say and makes answering questions much easier.

Tips for Identifying Main Ideas

  • Underline or highlight key sentences.
  • Summarize each paragraph in your own words.
  • Ignore extra details and focus on the big message.

Practice Makes Perfect!

The more you practice finding main ideas, the better you'll get at reading quickly and effectively.

Examples

  • In a story about a team working together to win a game, the main idea could be the importance of teamwork.

  • A passage describing how plants grow from seeds might have the main idea: 'Plants need sunlight and water to grow.'

In a Nutshell

Learn to spot the central point of a passage to understand what it’s really about.

Key Terms

Main Idea
The central message or primary point of a passage.
Summary
A brief statement of the main points of a passage.
Next
Identifying Supporting Details