The main idea is what the whole passage is mostly about. It is the general point the writer is making, not a small detail.
Ask: "What is this passage really about in one sentence?"
The main idea usually appears in the first or last sentence of a paragraph (topic sentence / concluding sentence).
If the topic sentence is missing, summarise the whole passage — the idea that most sentences support is the main idea.
Trap: a detail or example is not the main idea, even if it sounds interesting.
2. Supporting Details
Details are the facts, examples, reasons and descriptions that prove or explain the main idea.
Supporting details give the "how", "why" or "for example".
When a question asks "Which detail supports…", look for the option that is a specific fact from the passage.
3. Inference (Reading Between the Lines)
An inference is an idea that is not stated directly but is strongly suggested by clues in the text plus what you already know.
Clue words: probably, most likely, suggests, implies.
Steps: ① find the clue → ② add background knowledge → ③ make a sensible guess.
Only choose an answer that is supported by the text — never your own opinion.
4. Author's Purpose
Why did the author write this? Remember the acronym PIE:
Persuade — to convince you to think or act.
Inform — to teach or give facts.
Entertain — to amuse or tell a story.
Also: describe (paint a picture with words) and explain (show how/why).
5. Vocabulary in Context
If you don't know a word, don't panic — use clues around it:
Context clues: words around it that hint at the meaning.
Definitions: sometimes the author defines the word right after it ("a harbinger, or a sign that something is coming").
Synonyms/antonyms: look for words like "also", "but", "unlike".
Replace the word with each option — which one fits the sentence best?
6. Eliminating Wrong MCQ Options
A four-step elimination method for multiple-choice questions:
Cover the options and answer the question in your own words first.
Cross out options that are too extreme (always, never, all).
Cross out options that are too specific or unrelated to the question.
Choose the option that matches your own answer most closely.
📗 Worked Example
Read the passage, then follow the thinking steps.
"Koko was not an ordinary gorilla. She learned to use more than a thousand hand signs to 'talk' with humans. Her keeper, Dr. Penny Patterson, began teaching her when Koko was just one year old. Koko understood many English words and could even make up new sign combinations. She showed that animals can communicate in remarkable ways."
Question 1: What is the main idea?
Think: The passage is mostly about Koko and her ability to communicate — not just about gorillas in general, not just about Dr. Patterson.
Answer: Koko was a special gorilla who learned to communicate using sign language.
Question 2: What can you infer about Koko?
Clue: "She could make up new sign combinations."
Background: Making new combinations requires understanding, not just copying.
Inference: Koko did not just copy signs — she truly understood the meaning of them.
Question 3: The author's main purpose is to…
Think: It teaches us facts about Koko's abilities — it informs us.
Answer: Inform the reader about an unusual animal's ability to communicate.
📕 Guided Practice Passage
"Coral reefs are often called the rainforests of the sea. Although they cover less than one percent of the ocean floor, they are home to more than a quarter of all marine species. Fish, sea turtles, crabs and thousands of colourful creatures shelter and feed among the coral. Sadly, warming ocean water causes corals to 'bleach' and die. Protecting reefs matters because they protect coastlines and support the food we eat."
Try these yourself — reveal the answers after you try:
Why are coral reefs called the "rainforests of the sea"?
What problem do warming waters cause?
Give one reason reefs matter, from the passage.
Because, like rainforests, they support an enormous variety of life despite covering a small area.
Warming ocean water makes corals "bleach" and die.
They protect coastlines and support the food we eat.
🧠 Interactive Quiz: Comprehension Skills
Module progress0
"Bats are night creatures. They sleep during the day and hunt at night. Their dark caves help them rest without being disturbed." What is the main idea?
"She slammed the book shut, threw on her coat and raced out the door." You can infer that she is…
"Vaccines save millions of lives every year by preventing serious diseases." The author's purpose is to…
"The old ship was a hulking monster, its cracked hull looming over the dock." The word hulking most nearly means…
Which detail SUPPORTS the main idea that "coral reefs support rich marine life"?
📄 Printable Worksheets
Each card is a printable worksheet. Open the page and press 🖨 Print to save as PDF.
WORKSHEET 1.1
Main Idea Sort
Read 4 short paragraphs. Circle the topic sentence and write the main idea in one sentence.
WORKSHEET 1.2
Inference Detective
For 5 short clues, write one logical inference and underline the clue you used.
WORKSHEET 1.3
Author's Purpose Sort
Label 8 short texts as persuade, inform or entertain and justify each.
WORKSHEET 1.4
Vocabulary in Context
10 sentences with underlined words — pick the best meaning using context clues.
WORKSHEET 1.5
MCQ Elimination
Answer 6 MCQs and write one sentence explaining why you eliminated the wrong options.
WORKSHEET 1.6
Timed Passage
A full unseen passage with 8 questions. Time yourself: 15 minutes.
Marking Scheme (Worksheet 1.1)
Question
Expected answer
Marks
Identify topic sentence
Correctly circled sentence that states the main point