Source: Kaplan GED Test Prep 2022–2023 by Caren Van Slyke Authority Tier: Commercial Preparation (
TIER_3_COMMERCIAL) | License: Restricted Reference (RESTRICTED) Coverage: Chapter 1: Interpreting Nonfiction and Informational Text (Pages 144–183) Curriculum Standard: High School Equivalency Preparation
Kaplan Reference: Chapter 1: Interpreting Nonfiction and Informational Text
Lesson 1: Main Ideas and Details
(Page 144)
CHAPTER 1 Interpreting Nonfiction and Informational Text Lesson 1: Main Ideas and Details Key Ideas The most important point of a passage is called the main idea. Sometimes a main idea is stated, but often you must figure it out. Supporting details point to and explain the main idea. The Main Idea A writer has a message, or main idea , to get across. Sometimes the main idea is stated directly; often you have to figure it out yourself. You can find the main idea by asking, “What is the most important point the writer is making?” Most of the information in a passage will point to and explain the main idea.