01
What to Expect
Main Idea/Purpose: Summarizing the author's primary goal · Specific Detail: Finding a factual piece of information · Tone/Inference: Understanding the author's perspective or drawing a conclusion
02
The Do's and Don'ts
Read the Question FirstThis acts as a filter so you know exactly what to look for — Main Idea vs. Specific Detail.
Use EliminationIdentify distractors: options that are half-true, too extreme, or not mentioned at all.
Look for TransitionsWords like However, Therefore, In contrast, and Consequently reveal shifts in the author's logic.
Focus on SynonymsThe correct answer rarely uses the exact words from the text. Look for paraphrased meanings.
Don't OveranalyzeIf you are stuck between two options for more than 30 seconds, pick the most logical one and move on.
Don't Use Outside KnowledgeOnly select an answer based on what is written in the passage.
Don't Skim Too FastMissing a single word like 'not' or 'only' can lead to the wrong choice.
Don't Leave It BlankThere is no negative marking. If time is running out, always make an educated guess.
03
Tips & Tricks
Identify the Question Type
'Which is true?' → scan for facts. 'What is the main message?' → skim for the overall theme.
The First & Last Sentence Rule
The first and last sentences of an academic paragraph often contain the Topic Sentence and Conclusion — usually where the answer to 'Main Idea' questions lives.
Extreme Language Warning
Be wary of options containing always, never, only, all, or must. Academic texts usually use often, some, may, or suggest.
04
Standardized Solving Protocol
1
The Prompt Filter
Read the question prompt. Identify if you need a Specific Fact or the Global Theme.
2
Keyword Scanning
Identify 'Anchor Words' in the question — dates, names, technical nouns. Locate these in the text.
3
The Elimination Round
Cross out options that contradict the text, are 'Not Given,' or are 'Too Broad/Too Narrow.'
4
The Final Match
Compare remaining options against the specific sentence in the text. Ensure the meaning matches, even if the words differ.