Master Main Idea Questions
The #1 question type in CAT RC. Learn to identify the central argument in 30 seconds and never lose easy marks again. Your foundation for 99+ percentile starts here.
📚 Main Idea Flashcards
Master key concepts with spaced repetition
Loading…
Loading…
🎯 Test Your Main Idea Skills
5 CAT-style questions with detailed explanations
🎯‰ Test Complete!
The conventional wisdom in economics has long held that technological advancement invariably leads to job displacement, a phenomenon famously termed “technological unemployment.” However, recent empirical studies reveal a more nuanced reality. While automation does eliminate certain routine tasks, it simultaneously creates demand for new skills and entirely new categories of employment. The agricultural revolution displaced farm workers, yet gave rise to manufacturing jobs. The digital revolution, similarly, has spawned roles in software development, data analysis, and digital marketing that were unimaginable decades ago. The key determinant of whether technological change benefits workers is not the technology itself, but rather the adaptability of educational systems and labor policies to equip workers with evolving skill sets.
Which of the following best captures the main idea of the passage?
✓ Correct! Option B is the answer.
Why B is correct: The passage’s main argument appears in the final sentence: “The key determinant of whether technological change benefits workers is not the technology itself, but rather the adaptability of educational systems and labor policies.” Option B directly captures this central thesis.
Option C is a detail trap—it mentions something true from the passage (digital revolution creating jobs) but focuses on just one example rather than the overall argument about institutional adaptability being the key factor.
Critics of modern art often dismiss abstract expressionism as lacking technical skill or meaningful content. However, this critique fundamentally misunderstands the movement’s purpose. Abstract expressionists like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko were not attempting to replicate reality or demonstrate conventional draftsmanship. Instead, they sought to express emotional and psychological states that transcend representational boundaries. Pollock’s drip paintings, far from being random, involved meticulous control of movement, viscosity, and layering. Rothko’s color field paintings evoke profound emotional responses through subtle variations in hue and saturation. The movement represented a philosophical shift: art need not depict the external world to convey deep human experiences.
The passage is primarily concerned with:
✓ Correct! Option A is the answer.
Why A is correct: This is a PRIMARY PURPOSE question. The passage structure is: Critics say X → However, they’re wrong → Here’s why they’re wrong. The author’s main goal is to defend abstract expressionism by clarifying its true aim.
Option D is tempting because the passage does mention philosophy, but that’s just part of the defense strategy, not the primary concern.
Historians have long debated whether the Industrial Revolution primarily benefited or harmed the working class. Traditional accounts emphasize wage growth and rising living standards, pointing to increased consumption of goods and longer life expectancies. Revisionist historians, however, highlight deteriorating working conditions, child labor exploitation, and the destruction of artisanal communities. A more balanced view recognizes that both narratives contain truth: aggregate economic data shows material improvement, but this came at tremendous social cost. The working class did become wealthier in purely economic terms, yet lost autonomy, community structures, and control over their labor. The question of whether this trade-off represented progress depends on one’s values—whether material prosperity outweighs social and psychological costs.
Which of the following best captures the main idea of the passage?
✓ Correct! Option C is the answer.
Why C is correct: The passage presents two opposing views (traditional vs. revisionist), then synthesizes them into a “balanced view” in the middle. The main idea is this synthesis: “both narratives contain truth” and evaluation requires weighing trade-offs.
Options A and D each represent one side of the debate mentioned in the passage, but the main idea is the synthesis that acknowledges both perspectives.
The concept of “emotional intelligence” has gained widespread acceptance in both academic and corporate circles, with proponents claiming it predicts success more reliably than traditional IQ measures. However, the scientific basis for these claims remains surprisingly weak. Meta-analyses reveal inconsistent correlations between emotional intelligence scores and job performance, with effect sizes often disappearing when controlling for personality traits like conscientiousness. Moreover, emotional intelligence tests suffer from methodological problems: self-report measures are susceptible to social desirability bias, while ability-based tests show poor reliability. The popularity of emotional intelligence reflects less its empirical validity than a cultural desire to value interpersonal skills alongside cognitive abilities. Until measurement improves and predictive validity strengthens, emotional intelligence should be treated as a promising but unproven construct rather than an established scientific fact.
Which of the following titles best captures the essence of the passage?
✓ Correct! Option A is the answer.
Why A is correct: The passage’s structure is clear: emotional intelligence is popular → BUT it lacks scientific support → here’s why → it should be treated as unproven. This is fundamentally a critique of emotional intelligence from a scientific perspective.
Option B is too narrow—methodological problems are discussed but they’re part of a broader scientific critique.
Conventional wisdom suggests that democratization inevitably leads to economic liberalization, as free markets and free societies naturally complement each other. However, recent decades have challenged this assumption. China has achieved remarkable economic growth through market reforms while maintaining authoritarian political control. Singapore combines open markets with limited political freedoms. Even in established democracies, economic policy often diverges from public preference—central banks operate independently of electoral pressures, and trade agreements face minimal democratic oversight. The relationship between political and economic freedom is more contingent than deterministic. While democracy and markets may share philosophical affinities—both emphasizing individual choice—their institutional requirements differ substantially. Democratic governance requires political participation and contestation; market economies require property rights and contract enforcement. These can, and often do, exist in different combinations.
The passage primarily seeks to:
✓ Correct! Option B is the answer.
Why B is correct: This is a PRIMARY PURPOSE question. The passage opens with “conventional wisdom suggests” → “However, recent decades have challenged this assumption” → provides examples → concludes that the relationship is “more contingent than deterministic.”
Option A is too narrow—China and Singapore are examples used to support the challenge, not the main purpose themselves.
💡 How to Master Main Idea Questions
Strategic approaches proven to boost accuracy from 60% to 90%+ in 7 days
The Spaced Repetition Method
Main idea questions stick when you encounter them repeatedly over time. Here’s the proven approach:
-
1Day 1: Initial Learning
Study the flashcards, flip each one, read the memory hooks. Don’t rush—understanding beats memorization.
-
2Day 2: Active Recall
Review and mark terms you remember as “mastered.” Focus extra time on cards you struggled with.
-
4Day 4: Quick Review
Speed through all cards. This quick review of all terms keeps them from fading into short-term memory.
-
7Day 7: Final Review
Complete review before attempting the quiz. Focus on unmastered terms, then test yourself.
Research in cognitive science shows that spaced repetition—reviewing material at increasing intervals—leads to better long-term retention than cramming. Mark terms as “mastered” as you learn them, then review unmastered terms daily.
Context Over Definition
In RC passages, you’ll rarely see explicit definitions. Instead, you’ll encounter main idea concepts in context. Train yourself to:
- Read the “RC Context” section of each flashcard carefully—this shows how the term appears in actual passages
- Notice relationship words: “attempts to,” “in contrast to,” “challenges,” “builds upon”
- Identify the philosophical debate: Most passages present competing viewpoints using these terms
- Practice inference: Even if you forget the exact definition, contextual clues will help you understand the term’s role
Common Context Pattern: The Opposition Framework
Many CAT passages use this structure:
- Position A: The author/philosopher introduces a concept (e.g., “The main idea is X”)
- Opposition/Critique: A contrasting view is presented (e.g., “However, critics argue Y”)
- Resolution/Synthesis: Sometimes a third perspective reconciles the debate
When you know terms like “main idea,” “primary purpose,” “scope,” and “tone,” you can quickly map the passage structure and anticipate the questions.
The Argument Mapping Strategy
Main idea passages typically present arguments and counter-arguments. Master this pattern:
📍 Position A: The author/philosopher introduces a concept
Example: “Paragraph 1 introduces the traditional view that main idea questions are straightforward…”
📍 Opposition/Critique: A contrasting view is presented
Example: “However, recent analysis reveals that students often confuse topic with main point…”
📍 Resolution/Synthesis: A third perspective reconciles
Example: “The passage concludes by proposing a strategic framework that addresses both concerns…”
When you know this structure, you can quickly identify:
- Where the author’s actual argument begins (usually after “however,” “but,” “yet”)
- Which viewpoint the passage ultimately supports
- What the main idea actually is (the resolution, not the setup)
Common RC Passage Patterns for Main Idea
CAT main idea passages follow predictable patterns. Knowing these terms helps you identify the pattern instantly:
“What is real?” passages
Expect terms like: scope, focus, central theme, overarching point
Strategy: These passages explore the nature of reality through different lenses. Look for how the author synthesizes multiple perspectives.
“How do we know?” passages
Expect terms like: main argument, primary claim, thesis, position
Strategy: Focus on the author’s stance regarding knowledge and justification. The main idea often involves challenging conventional epistemology.
“What is right?” passages
Expect terms like: central argument, core message, fundamental point
Strategy: These passages debate moral frameworks. Identify which ethical theory the author critiques, defends, or proposes.
“What is truth?” passages
Expect terms like: main idea, essential message, key insight
Strategy: Look for how the passage addresses absolute vs. contextual understanding of truth.
When you spot 2-3 philosophical terms in the first paragraph, you know the passage structure immediately. This anticipation saves 2-3 minutes per passage and can read actively, anticipating the author’s argumentative moves.
The 10-Second Comprehension Check
After reading any passage, pause for 10 seconds and ask yourself:
- “What is the author’s main point?” – Can you state it in one sentence?
- “What is the passage structure?” – Setup → Challenge → Resolution?
- “What philosophical terms appeared?” – Which framework is being discussed?
- “Where does the author stand?” – Neutral observer or active participant?
If you can answer these 4 questions in 10 seconds, you’ve understood the passage at the level needed for 90%+ accuracy on main idea questions.
Don’t just read to extract information from passages—read to understand what the author is trying to communicate. The main idea isn’t about finding facts; it’s about grasping intent.
The Complete Guide: From Theory to Mastery
You’ve practiced the flashcards. You’ve tested yourself. Now understand why the strategies work—and how to adapt them to any CAT passage you’ll encounter.
Understanding Main Idea Questions in CAT RC
Main idea questions are the most frequently tested question type in CAT Reading Comprehension. According to analysis of past 10 years of CAT papers, nearly 80% of RC passages contain at least one main idea or primary purpose question. If you master this question type, you’re securing 5-8 questions in the VARC section—a significant score booster.
But here’s the reality check: main idea questions aren’t “easy” questions. They test your ability to distinguish between what a passage says (details) and what a passage does (main point). The wrong answers are deliberately crafted to trap students who skim, lose focus, or don’t understand the author’s overall argument.
What Exactly Are Main Idea Questions?
Main idea questions ask you to identify the central point or overarching theme of the passage. They require you to synthesize information across all paragraphs and identify what unifies them. Common phrasings include:
- “Which of the following best captures the main idea of the passage?”
- “The passage is primarily concerned with…”
- “Which of the following titles best captures the essence of the passage?”
- “The central point made by the author is…”
Unlike specific detail questions that point to a particular paragraph or line, main idea questions demand a bird’s-eye view of the entire passage. You need to ask: What is the author’s primary message here?
Key Insight: The main idea should touch every paragraph. If your chosen answer doesn’t connect to even one paragraph, it’s wrong. This is your quickest elimination test.
Pause & Reflect
Before reading further: Can you identify the main idea of the last RC passage you read in under 10 seconds?
If you struggled with this, you’re likely confusing the topic (what the passage discusses) with the main idea (what the author argues).
This is the #1 trap in main idea questions. The topic is just the subject matter. The main idea is the author’s specific point about that topic.
Always ask: “What is the author trying to say?” not “What is this passage about?”
Main Idea vs Primary Purpose: The Critical Distinction
Students often confuse main idea questions with primary purpose questions. While related, they test different aspects of comprehension:
Main Idea: Focuses on content—what the passage is about. It’s the central argument, thesis, or point the author makes.
Example Main Idea: “The traditional view of dinosaur extinction due to a single asteroid impact is incomplete; multiple factors likely contributed to their demise.”
Primary Purpose: Focuses on function—what the author is trying to do. It describes the author’s goal or rhetorical strategy.
Example Primary Purpose: “To challenge the conventional explanation of dinosaur extinction and propose a more nuanced understanding.”
Notice the difference? Main idea tells you WHAT the author argues. Primary purpose tells you WHY the author wrote the passage (to challenge, to explain, to compare, etc.).
In CAT, you’ll see both types. The good news: the strategy for both is similar—understand the passage holistically and match scope and tone.
Test Your Understanding
Quick check: If a passage criticizes traditional economic models, which answer is the main idea vs the primary purpose?
Main Idea: “Traditional economic models have critical limitations that newer approaches address.”
Primary Purpose: “To critique traditional economic models and advocate for alternative frameworks.”
Notice how the main idea states the argument while the purpose describes what the author is doing (critiquing and advocating).
If the answer choice starts with “To [verb]…”, it’s a purpose question. If it states a claim or argument, it’s a main idea.
The 5-Step Strategy for Main Idea Questions
Here’s a systematic approach that works consistently across all RC passages:
Step 1: Read the First Paragraph Carefully
The opening paragraph often introduces the topic and hints at the author’s direction. Look for the author’s stance—are they describing something neutrally, or setting up an argument?
Step 2: Identify the Shift or Transition
Most CAT passages have a turning point—usually marked by words like “however,” “but,” “yet,” “unfortunately,” or “surprisingly.” This shift often signals where the author’s real argument begins. The main idea typically lies after this transition.
Example: Paragraph 1 describes a popular economic theory. Paragraph 2 starts with “However, recent evidence suggests…” → The main idea is likely the critique introduced in paragraph 2, not the theory described in paragraph 1.
Step 3: Read the Last Paragraph
Authors often conclude by restating or reinforcing their main point. If the first paragraph sets up the topic and the last paragraph drives home the conclusion, you have your main idea.
Strategy in Action
Imagine you read a passage where the first paragraph describes a scientific theory and the last paragraph says “However, recent evidence contradicts this view.” Where is the main idea?
The main idea is in the critique introduced in the last paragraph, not the theory described in the first paragraph.
Why? Because the first paragraph is just setup—introducing background information. The author’s actual argument begins with “However.”
This is why transition words like “however,” “but,” “yet,” “nevertheless” are crucial signals. They mark where the author’s real point begins.
The main idea typically comes AFTER the major transition, not before it. Setup ≠ Main Point.
Step 4: Eliminate Wrong Answer Types
Before selecting the right answer, eliminate these common wrong answer traps:
- Too Narrow: Focuses on just one paragraph or one detail
- Too Broad: Goes beyond the passage’s actual scope
- Wrong Focus: Emphasizes background info instead of the author’s argument
- Detail Trap: Mentions something true from the passage but not the main point
Step 5: Match Scope and Tone
The correct answer must match both the passage’s scope (covers all paragraphs without going beyond) and tone (neutral, critical, enthusiastic, etc.). If the passage is critical of a theory, the main idea should reflect that critique.
Pro Tip: After selecting an answer, point to each paragraph and ask: “Does this paragraph connect to my chosen answer?” If even one paragraph feels disconnected, reconsider.
Common Traps in Main Idea Questions (+ How to Avoid Them)
Reality Check
Be honest: How often do you eliminate answer choices instead of just selecting what “sounds right”?
Most students pick what sounds right. 99+ percentilers eliminate what’s wrong.
There’s a massive difference. When you actively eliminate wrong answer types (too narrow, too broad, wrong focus), you’re training pattern recognition. When you just pick what sounds right, you’re gambling.
The traps in the next section work precisely because they “sound right” to students who skim. They don’t work on students who systematically eliminate.
Your goal isn’t to find the right answer. It’s to eliminate 3 wrong answers, leaving only 1 standing.
Trap 1: The “Too Narrow” Wrong Answer
This answer type zooms in on one specific aspect mentioned in the passage—often something from the middle paragraphs—and presents it as the main idea.
Example Passage: A passage discusses the evolution of smartphones, with one paragraph specifically about the iPhone’s impact on the market.
Wrong Answer: “The impact of the iPhone on mobile phone markets”
Why It’s Wrong: This answer ignores the other 3-4 paragraphs about smartphones in general.
How to Avoid: Always check if your answer accounts for ALL paragraphs, not just one.
Trap 2: The “Too Broad” Wrong Answer
This answer goes beyond what the passage actually covers. It sounds impressive and uses general terms, but it’s not specific to THIS passage.
Example Passage: A passage about 19th-century British novels and their social commentary.
Wrong Answer: “The evolution of literature across cultures”
Why It’s Wrong: The passage doesn’t discuss multiple cultures or all of literature—only British novels from one century.
How to Avoid: Ask yourself: “Could this answer apply to other passages on similar topics?” If yes, it’s probably too broad.
Trap 3: The “Wrong Focus” Trap
This is the most deceptive trap. The answer focuses on background information or setup material rather than the author’s actual argument.
Example Passage: Paragraph 1 describes Freud’s psychoanalytic theory. Paragraphs 2-4 critique its limitations and propose alternatives.
Wrong Answer: “Freud’s theory of psychoanalysis and its key concepts”
Why It’s Wrong: The passage isn’t about explaining Freud’s theory; it’s about critiquing it. The setup is not the main point.
How to Avoid: Distinguish between what the passage is ABOUT (the topic) and what it ARGUES (the point).
Trap 4: The “True But Irrelevant” Detail Trap
This answer mentions something factually correct from the passage but not central to the main argument.
How to Avoid: Just because something is mentioned doesn’t make it the main idea. Ask: “Is this what the author wants me to remember most?”
Advanced Tips for 99+ Percentilers
The 10-Second Test
After reading the passage, pause for 10 seconds and ask yourself: “If I had to explain this passage to a friend in one sentence, what would I say?” That sentence is likely your main idea.
The Paragraph Mapping Technique
Quickly note the function of each paragraph in the margin:
- Para 1: Introduce topic
- Para 2: Present conventional view
- Para 3: Challenge conventional view
- Para 4: Propose alternative
The main idea should align with paragraphs 3-4 (the author’s actual argument), not paragraphs 1-2 (the setup).
Identify the Author’s Voice
Is the author an observer (neutral, descriptive) or a participant (arguing, critiquing)? This tells you whether the main idea should be descriptive (“The passage traces…”) or argumentative (“The passage challenges…”).
Final Reality Check: Main idea questions aren’t about finding information in the passage—they’re about understanding what the author is trying to communicate. Read with the author’s intent in mind, not just the facts presented.
Final Self-Assessment
After reading this entire guide, can you now explain the difference between main idea and primary purpose to someone who’s never taken the CAT?
If you can explain it clearly, you’ve internalized the concept. If you’re still fuzzy, that’s your signal to review.
Here’s a simple explanation you should be able to give:
“Main idea is WHAT the author argues—it’s the central claim or thesis. Primary purpose is WHY the author wrote the passage—what they’re trying to accomplish, like critique, explain, or compare.”
If you can’t explain this clearly, review the flashcards and re-read the “Main Idea vs Purpose” section. Understanding this distinction is foundational.
Ready to test your understanding? The 25 flashcards above cover every nuance of main idea questions, and the practice exercise gives you real CAT-style questions to apply these strategies.
Next, explore related RC question types to master comprehensive VARC preparation.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about RC main idea questions answered
Typically 5-8 out of 24 RC questions in CAT test main idea comprehension. Almost every passage (80%+) includes at least one main idea or primary purpose question.
This makes main idea questions the single most important question type to master for RC. If you can consistently get these right, you’re securing a significant portion of your VARC score.
Yes, but strategically. Focus especially on:
- First paragraph: Introduces topic and author’s stance
- Last paragraph: Often restates or reinforces the main point
- Transition words: “However,” “Yet,” “Nevertheless” signal shifts to the author’s main argument
The middle paragraphs provide supporting details and examples. For main idea questions, understanding the passage’s overall flow and author’s purpose is more important than remembering every detail.
Apply the scope test and tone matching:
Scope Test: The correct answer must cover all paragraphs without going beyond what the passage discusses. Point to each paragraph and ask: “Does this paragraph connect to the answer?” If even one paragraph seems disconnected, that answer is wrong.
Tone Matching: Match the author’s attitude. If the passage is critical of a theory, the main idea must reflect that critique. If neutral and explanatory, the main idea should be descriptive, not argumentative.
• If one answer is too narrow (covers only 2-3 paragraphs) → eliminate
• If one answer is too broad (includes topics not in passage) → eliminate
• The right answer feels “just right” in scope and tone
60-90 seconds maximum once you’ve read the passage.
Main idea questions should actually be faster than detail or inference questions because you’re working with the big picture, not hunting for specific information.
• Read question: 10 seconds
• Scan answer choices: 20 seconds
• Eliminate wrong answers: 30 seconds
• Confirm right answer: 10 seconds
Total: 70 seconds
If you’re taking longer, you might be overthinking or haven’t grasped the passage’s structure clearly. Consider re-reading the first and last paragraphs quickly.
Not necessarily – they test different skills:
Main Idea Questions: Require you to synthesize information across the entire passage and identify the author’s primary message. They test holistic comprehension.
Inference Questions: Require logical reasoning from specific parts of the passage. They test analytical thinking and the ability to read between the lines.
Many students find inference harder, but main idea questions have their own challenges, especially the “wrong focus” trap where you confuse the topic (what the passage is about) with the main point (what the author argues).
Main Idea: Asks WHAT the author’s central point is (content focus).
Primary Purpose: Asks WHY the author wrote the passage – what they’re trying to accomplish (function focus).
Main Idea: “Current climate models have significant limitations that require addressing.”
Primary Purpose: “To critique existing climate models and advocate for a new approach.”
Notice how purpose uses action verbs (critique, advocate, explain, challenge, compare) while main idea states the actual argument or thesis.
Both test similar comprehension skills, so the strategy for answering them is largely the same.
Practice the 10-second test: After reading any passage, pause and ask yourself: “If I had to explain this passage to a friend in one sentence, what would I say?” That sentence is your main idea.
Practice paragraph mapping: Quickly note the function of each paragraph:
- Para 1: Introduces topic
- Para 2: Presents conventional view
- Para 3: Challenges conventional view
- Para 4: Proposes alternative
This helps you see the passage structure and identify where the main argument lies (usually in paragraphs 3-4, not 1-2).
Learn to recognize common traps:
- Too Narrow: Focuses on one paragraph only
- Too Broad: Goes beyond passage scope
- Wrong Focus: Confuses topic with main point
- True But Irrelevant: Mentions facts from passage but not the central argument
Connect with Prashant
Founder, WordPandit & EDGE | CAT VARC Expert
With 18+ years of teaching experience and thousands of successful CAT aspirants, I’m here to help you master VARC. Whether you’re stuck on RC passages, vocabulary building, or exam strategy—let’s connect and solve it together.
Stuck on RC or VARC? Let’s Solve It Together! 💡
Don’t let doubts slow you down. Whether it’s a tricky RC passage, vocabulary confusion, or exam strategy—I’m here to help. Choose your preferred way to connect and let’s tackle your challenges head-on.
🌟 Explore The Learning Inc. Network
8 specialized platforms. 1 mission: Your success in competitive exams.
Trusted by 50,000+ learners across India
Learn.WordPandit
Learn With Prashant Sir
Mentor-led courses for CAT, GMAT, GRE, GD/PI/WAT. Structured learning with expert guidance.
WordPandit
Master Words. Master Exams.
10,000+ words with roots methodology. Your vocabulary foundation for competitive exams.
Preplite
Smart Learning. Smaller Budgets.
Affordable self-prep micro-courses. Pay only for what you need. Learn at your pace.
Readlite
Read Smart. Comprehend Better.
Daily curated articles across 60+ subjects. Build reading comprehension for RC mastery.
Easy Hinglish
English Seekhna Ab Hua Aasan!
Learn English the Indian way. Vocabulary explained in Hindi and English for better retention.
GD PI WAT
Ace Your MBA Interviews.
1,000+ GD topics, PI questions, and WAT guidance. Complete MBA admission prep.
GK365
Stay Informed. Stay Ahead.
Daily GK updates and current affairs. Never miss what matters for competitive exams.
Ask English Pro
Your Personal English Mentor.
Get expert answers to all your English questions with detailed video explanations.