Main point

(MP)

Stems asking us to articulate the main point of the passage. Often the first question associated with a given passage.

Avg. 2.3 per section

“Which one of the following most accurately states the main point of the passage?”

Main conclusion or main point
12%
23%
42%
15%
8%

Avg. difficulty: 2.8

Correct answer criteria

  • Captures author's perspective about the subject (or, if author is neutral, the perspective(s) the passage focuses on); AND
  • Does not contain anything unsupported

Key tactics

  • Ask what the author would tell you if (s)he only had 10 seconds to speak
  • Keep in mind the different passage styles. Is the author critiquing a view, explaining a phenomenon, presenting a solution to a problem, drawing attention to an interesting artist?
  • Think about the whole passage as an LR stimulus. What's other people's view? What's the author's?

Answer choice tips

  • Wrong answers often (1) take author's opinion too far, (2) describe only a supporting point, or (3) sounds similar to the main point, but includes something unsupported
  • The correct answer does not need to summarize the whole passage; it just needs to capture author's perspective (or, if author is neutral, the perspective the passage focuses on)

Looking for more?

7Sage offers a full course of video lessons that cover each question type in depth, targeted drills, and performance analytics.

Logical reasoning question types

Argument part Evaluate Fill in the blank Flaw or descriptive weakening Inference Main conclusion or main point Method of reasoning or descriptive Most strongly supported Must be false Must be true Necessary assumption Parallel flawed method of reasoning Parallel method of reasoning Point at issue: agree Point at issue: disagree Principle PSA - find or complete the application PSA - find the rule Resolve reconcile or explain Strengthen Sufficient assumption Weaken

Reading comprehension question types

Analogy (RC) Application Author’s attitude Author’s perspective Describe approach Describe organization Describe relationship Implied Logical continuation Main point Meaning in context (of word, phrase, or idea) Other’s perspective Principle or generalization Purpose in context (of word, phrase, or idea) Purpose of paragraph Purpose of passage Stated Structure WSE (RC)

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