Tip #15 Reading Question Type 14 (Identify the Idea): Seek topic sentences and repeated concepts, Go through a 3-step elimination process, compare how well answers covers the whole text

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Pre-Task Strategies

1. Read the Passage First
   • Underline topic sentences (usually first/last lines).
   • Note repeated concepts (e.g., "cultural exchange," "decline").
2. Eliminate Wrong Answers Step-by-Step:
   • 1st Elimination: Remove irrelevant options (unrelated to passage).
   • 2nd Elimination: Remove too specific (minor details, not main idea).
   • 3rd Elimination: Remove too general (broader than passage scope).
   • Final Choice: Pick the "least bad" remaining option.
3. Compare Coverage
   • The correct answer should summarize most paragraphs, not just one.

Practice
Task Type: Select the best main idea of a 150-word passage from 4 options.

Model Task

Passage (150 words):
"The Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting East Asia to Europe, flourished between 130 BCE and 1453 CE. Merchants transported silk, spices, and porcelain, but its greatest impact was cultural. Buddhism spread from India to China via these routes, while papermaking technology moved westward. The Mongol Empire’s stability in the 13th century boosted trade by protecting travelers. However, the Black Death and the rise of sea trade led to its decline. Today, UNESCO recognizes the Silk Road as a symbol of cross-cultural exchange."

Main Idea Options:
A. "The Silk Road was a trade route for silk and spices."
B. "The Silk Road’s cultural and technological exchanges shaped civilizations before declining due to historical events."
C. "The Mongol Empire protected Silk Road travelers."
D. "Ancient trade routes connected continents."

Post-Task Assessment & Reflection
Self-Check Questions:

1. Did I eliminate irrelevant/specific options first? (✅ A, C).
2. Did I avoid overly general choices? (✅ D).
3. Did the final answer cover >50% of the passage? (✅ B).

Reflection Prompts:

• Specificity: "Did I confuse a detail (A/C) for the main idea?"
• Generalization: "Did Option D seem tempting because it sounded broad?"
• Time Management: "Did I rush to choose before eliminating?"

Key Takeaways

• Goldilocks Rule: The main idea is neither too narrow nor too broad.
• Process of Elimination: Remove two options quickly, then debate the rest.
• Passage Coverage: Correct answer ties together multiple paragraphs.

 
Answer Key: B

• Why?
  • Covers trade, cultural/tech exchange, decline, and legacy (most ground).
• Eliminated Options:
  • A: Too specific (only trade goods).
  • C: Too specific (only Mongols).
  • D: Too general (no mention of decline/UNESCO).