Main Idea & Theme

Main Idea vs Theme

Main idea — the most important point about the topic (non-fiction): "This passage is about why recycling is important."

Theme — the central message or life lesson in a story (fiction): "Hard work leads to success."

Both are answered by asking: "What is the author's most important message?"

Implied Main Idea

Sometimes the main idea is not directly stated. You must infer it from the details.

1. Read all the details carefully.
2. Ask: "What do all these details have in common?"
3. Form a sentence that captures the shared point.

Wrong trap choices: too narrow (mentions only one detail), too broad (vague and general), or contradicts the passage.

Strategy

• Read the first and last sentences of each paragraph — main ideas often appear there.
• Ask yourself: if you had to summarise this passage in one sentence for a friend, what would you say?
• Eliminate answers that are only details (specific facts, examples) — those are too narrow.