Paragraph Comprehension: Main Idea and Inference
Paragraph Comprehension asks you to read a short passage and answer questions about its main idea, supporting details, inferences, and the author's purpose or tone. Read the passage once for overall meaning, then reread the question stem to know what to look for. The main idea is usually stated in the first or last sentence; supporting details explain, illustrate, or prove it.
A key skill is distinguishing stated information from inference. A stated detail appears word-for-word or in paraphrase. An inference is a conclusion the passage strongly implies but does not state-supported by evidence, not by your outside knowledge. Also identify the author's purpose (to inform, persuade, describe, or entertain) and tone (neutral, critical, enthusiastic).
Traps
- Too broad or too narrow: a main-idea choice that covers only one detail or goes beyond the passage.
- True but not the answer: a choice that is factually in the passage but does not answer the question asked.
- Extreme wording: choices with always, never, all, only often overstate the passage.
- Outside knowledge: choices that are true in real life but not supported by the text.
Worked example
Passage: "Many cities now plant trees along busy streets. The trees shade sidewalks, absorb noise, and filter dust from the air." Question: What is the main idea? The first sentence sets the topic (cities planting trees); the second lists benefits. The best answer combines both: cities plant street trees because they provide several benefits. A choice saying "trees are pretty" is too narrow; "all cities should plant trees" is too extreme.
Rule of thumb
For main idea, ask: what single sentence would summarize the whole paragraph? For inference, ask: which choice must be true based on the text?