SAT Reading and Writing / Information and Ideas
SAT topic
Main idea
Name the point before looking at choices.
Learning goals
- State the passage's central claim in a short original sentence.
- Reject choices that are true details but not the main point.
Explanation
Before looking at the answer choices, identify what the passage is mainly trying to communicate.
Common mistakes
- Picking a vivid detail because it is memorable.
- Choosing a statement that is broader than the passage actually argues.
Practice
A paragraph presents a claim and then introduces evidence that contradicts it. Which type of transition is most likely appropriate between the claim and the evidence?
Original Marlow Works item — not a College Board question.
Take your time—this is practice, not a test.
Quick review
- 01Cover the choices and write a one-line summary.
- 02Check that every paragraph supports that summary.
- 03Eliminate options that upgrade a detail into the whole point.
Related resources
External links with reuse status. Marlow Works is independent and does not copy restricted exam or textbook material.
Official / link only
Official SAT practice hub
College Board SAT practice landing page, including links to tests and tools.
College Board · All rights reserved · accessed 2026-10-01
Open sourceOfficial / link only
Bluebook full-length practice
Official digital SAT practice tests in the Bluebook app.
College Board · All rights reserved · accessed 2026-10-01
Open sourceOfficial / link only
Student Question Bank
Official SAT practice questions hosted by College Board.
College Board · All rights reserved · accessed 2026-10-01
Use as an external link. Do not republish question stems.
Open sourceOfficial / link only
Official SAT Prep on Khan Academy
College Board describes this as free Official SAT Prep with lessons, hints, and walkthroughs.
Khan Academy / College Board · All rights reserved · accessed 2026-10-01
Open source