When trying to find the main idea of a passage, what should a student focus on?

To effectively determine the main idea of a passage, a student should focus on identifying the main problem or the central theme that the author is addressing. This involves understanding the overarching message or argument the author is trying to convey. The main idea provides the foundation upon which the supporting details are built, making it crucial to grasp the essence of the text.

When students look for the main problem, they should consider what the author seeks to communicate, which often encompasses the primary challenge or issue presented in the passage. By pinpointing this core concern, students can better relate to and comprehend the context and significance of the supporting details that illuminate the main idea.

Focusing on supporting details, identifying the author's name, or summarizing the conclusion can provide context and assistance, but they don't directly lead to an understanding of the main idea itself. Supporting details elaborate on the main idea but do not replace the need for recognizing the problem or primary message being conveyed. Thus, honing in on the main problem offers a clear and focused approach to distilling the essence of the passage.