Main Point | Quick Guide | LSAT Prep
What Are Main Point Questions?
Main point questions ask you to identify the central idea, primary thesis, or overarching argument of a Reading Comprehension passage. Unlike questions that focus on specific details or require inferences, main point questions test your global understanding—whether you grasp what the entire passage is fundamentally about.
The main point is not simply a summary of what topics the passage discusses. Rather, it's the author's central claim or conclusion that all other information in the passage exists to support, explain, or develop. Every detail, example, and supporting argument should relate back to this main point in some way.
Why Main Point Matters
Identifying the main point is essential for success throughout LSAT Reading Comprehension. Even when questions don't explicitly ask for the main point, understanding it helps you evaluate answer choices across question types. Function questions require knowing how specific details relate to the main argument. Inference questions demand staying within the scope of what the passage actually argues. Structure questions necessitate understanding how the passage builds toward its central thesis.
Research suggests that approximately 60% of LSAT questions—across both Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning—involve identifying or working with main points and conclusions in some form. This makes main point identification one of the highest-value skills for LSAT success.
Recognizing Main Point Questions
Main point questions use distinctive and consistent language that makes them readily identifiable. Recognizing these patterns instantly allows you to apply the appropriate strategy without hesitation.
📝 Common Question Stems
- "Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main point of the passage?"
- "Which one of the following most accurately states the main idea of the passage?"
- "Which one of the following best states the central idea discussed in the passage?"
- "The passage is primarily concerned with..."
- "Which one of the following most accurately summarizes the main point of the passage?"
- "The main point of the passage is that..."
Any question stem containing the phrases "main point," "main idea," "central idea," "central purpose," or "primarily concerned with" is asking for the passage's main point. These questions focus explicitly on the passage as a whole rather than on specific sections or details.
Main Point vs. Primary Purpose
Test-takers often confuse main point questions with primary purpose questions, but these question types have an important distinction that affects how you should approach them.
| Aspect | Main Point | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| What It Asks | WHAT the passage argues (the central thesis) | WHY the author wrote the passage (their intent) |
| Answer Format | Noun phrase stating the argument | Verb phrase describing the action/goal |
| Focus | The conclusion or central claim | The author's purpose or motivation |
| Example Answer | "Current copyright law inadequately protects digital creators" | "To argue that current copyright law inadequately protects digital creators" |
| Common Verbs | N/A (answers are statements, not verbs) | Explain, critique, propose, compare, advocate, challenge |
💡 Think of It This Way
Main point = noun (the thing being argued)
Primary purpose = verb (the action the author takes)
If the main point is "Theory X is flawed due to methodological weaknesses," the primary purpose would be "To critique Theory X by exposing its methodological weaknesses." Same content, different framing.
Where to Find the Main Point
While the main point can appear anywhere in a passage, certain locations are more common and should be your primary targets when identifying the central thesis.
Most Common Locations
🔍 First Paragraph
The opening paragraph frequently introduces the main point, especially in passages that state their thesis early and then spend subsequent paragraphs developing, supporting, or explaining it. Look for the author's central claim after any background or contextual information.
🔍 Final Paragraph
The concluding paragraph often contains or restates the main point, particularly in passages that build toward a conclusion through progressive argumentation. Authors frequently use concluding language like "therefore," "thus," "in conclusion," "ultimately," or "consequently" to signal the main point.
🔍 Both First and Last
Many passages state the main point early, develop it through middle paragraphs, then restate or reinforce it in the conclusion. The first and last paragraphs may express the same idea using different words.
🔍 Middle of the Passage
Less commonly, the main point appears in the middle, especially when the passage uses background information to set up context before stating its central claim, then uses remaining paragraphs to support that claim.
⚠️ Important Warning
Don't assume the main point is always in the same location. While first and last paragraphs are most common, the LSAT deliberately varies main point placement to test whether you truly understand passage structure or are simply applying a memorized rule. Always confirm that your identified main point is actually supported by the entire passage, regardless of where it appears.
The 6-Step Process for Main Point Questions
1Read the Passage Actively
As you read, constantly ask yourself: "What is the author trying to convince me of? What is their central claim?" Don't just absorb information passively—actively seek the thesis that ties everything together.
2Formulate Your Prediction
Before looking at answer choices, articulate the main point in your own words in one concise sentence. This prediction serves as your anchor, preventing answer choices from swaying you toward incorrect options. Your prediction doesn't need to be perfect—it just needs to capture the essence of the central argument.
3Verify the Scope
Ask yourself: "Does my predicted main point account for all major sections of the passage?" If you've identified something that only relates to one or two paragraphs, you've likely identified a supporting point rather than the main point. Also ensure your prediction isn't so broad that it could apply to dozens of different passages on the same general topic.
4Identify the Author's Position
If the author takes a stance (supporting, opposing, proposing, critiquing), your main point must reflect that position. A main point answer that presents the topic neutrally when the author argues passionately is incorrect, even if it mentions the right subject matter.
5Eliminate Wrong Answer Patterns
Before selecting your answer, systematically eliminate choices exhibiting common wrong answer characteristics: too narrow, too broad, outside the scope, reverses emphasis, or contradicts the passage. This elimination process often leaves you with one clearly correct answer.
6Match and Confirm
Select the answer that best matches your prediction and verify it against the passage. The correct answer should tie together all major passage elements and accurately represent where the author spent most time and emphasis.
Common Wrong Answer Traps
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong is just as important as knowing why right answers are right. The LSAT uses predictable wrong answer patterns for main point questions that, once recognized, become easy to spot and eliminate.
Too Narrow
The trap: The answer choice describes only one paragraph, section, or example from the passage rather than the overarching argument.
Why it's tempting: The information is true and appears in the passage, making it seem like a plausible answer.
How to avoid it: Ask yourself, "Does this account for the ENTIRE passage or just part of it?" If you can point to major sections the answer doesn't address, it's too narrow.
Example: A passage argues that multiple factors contribute to climate change, with one paragraph discussing deforestation. A too-narrow answer would state "Deforestation is a significant contributor to climate change" rather than acknowledging the multiple factors the passage discusses.
Too Broad
The trap: The answer choice is so general that it could apply to many different passages on the same topic, not specifically to this passage.
Why it's tempting: It relates to the passage's subject matter and isn't technically wrong.
How to avoid it: Ask yourself, "Is this specific to THIS passage, or could this answer fit dozens of different passages about this topic?" If it's too generic, it's too broad.
Example: A passage presents a specific critique of one economic theory. A too-broad answer would state "Economic theories have both strengths and weaknesses" rather than specifying the particular theory and critique discussed.
Supporting Detail
The trap: The answer choice mentions an important detail, example, or piece of evidence that supports the main point but is not itself the main point.
Why it's tempting: The passage does discuss this information, and it's clearly important to the argument.
How to avoid it: Ask yourself, "Is this the thing being proven, or is this evidence used to prove something else?" Supporting details exist to establish the main point—they're not the main point themselves.
Example: A passage argues that a new technology will revolutionize manufacturing, using cost reduction as one supporting argument. A supporting detail answer would focus on "The technology reduces production costs" rather than the main claim about revolutionizing manufacturing.
Outside the Scope
The trap: The answer choice introduces topics, ideas, or claims not discussed in the passage.
Why it's tempting: It might relate to the passage's subject matter or represent a logical extension of passage ideas.
How to avoid it: Ask yourself, "Is this actually discussed in the passage, or am I bringing in outside knowledge or assumptions?" The main point must be something the passage actually argues, not something related that could be argued.
Example: A passage discusses historical preservation methods. An out-of-scope answer might mention "Future technologies will transform preservation practices" when the passage never discusses future technologies.
Reverses the Emphasis
The trap: The answer choice treats a secondary or minor point as if it were the main point, or elevates an example to primary importance.
Why it's tempting: Everything in the answer is mentioned in the passage, making it seem accurate.
How to avoid it: Pay attention to how much space and emphasis the passage dedicates to different ideas. The main point is what the author spends most time establishing and what other information supports.
Example: A passage primarily argues against a theory, briefly mentioning one positive aspect. An emphasis-reversing answer would focus on that positive aspect rather than the passage's critical stance.
Contradicts the Passage
The trap: The answer choice states the opposite of what the passage actually argues.
Why it's tempting: It might represent a position the passage discusses and refutes, making it familiar from your reading.
How to avoid it: Carefully distinguish between positions the passage presents (perhaps to argue against them) and positions the passage actually endorses. The main point must align with the author's position, not with positions the author opposes.
Example: A passage argues that Policy X is effective, while discussing critics who claim it's ineffective. A contradictory answer would state "Policy X is ineffective" simply because the passage discusses this opposing view.
Advanced Strategies and Tips
The "One-Sentence Summary" Technique
Immediately after reading the passage, before looking at any questions, write or mentally formulate a one-sentence summary of the main point. This prediction technique forces you to crystallize your understanding and prevents answer choices from biasing your interpretation. Your summary should be specific enough to distinguish this passage from others on the same topic.
Look for Concluding Language
Words and phrases like "therefore," "thus," "consequently," "in conclusion," "ultimately," "it follows that," and "the evidence suggests that" often introduce or precede main point statements. These conclusion indicators signal that the author is stating their primary claim. However, not all passages use these indicators, so don't rely on them exclusively.
Track Paragraph Functions
As you read each paragraph, mentally note its function: Is it providing background? Presenting a theory? Offering evidence? Addressing counterarguments? Drawing conclusions? Understanding these functions helps you see how the passage builds toward its main point and which elements are supporting rather than central.
Pay Attention to What Gets the Most Space
Authors typically spend the most time developing, explaining, and supporting their main point. If the passage dedicates three paragraphs to criticizing a theory and only one sentence to acknowledging its benefits, the main point likely involves that criticism rather than a balanced assessment.
Identify the Author's Stance
Determine whether the author is arguing for a position, critiquing an existing view, proposing a solution, comparing alternatives, or objectively presenting information. The main point must match this rhetorical approach. An author who passionately advocates for a policy has a different main point than one who neutrally describes policy options.
Practice Approach
✓ Your Main Point Mastery Checklist
- I can recognize main point questions instantly by their question stems
- I formulate a prediction before looking at answer choices
- I verify my prediction accounts for all major passage sections
- I can distinguish between main points and supporting details
- I understand the difference between main point and primary purpose
- I check whether my answer matches the author's stance and emphasis
- I systematically eliminate answers that are too narrow or too broad
- I avoid answers that introduce information outside the passage scope
- I practice with official LSAT materials from LawHub
- I review both correct and incorrect answers to understand why each is right or wrong
Using Official LSAC Resources
The most effective way to master main point questions is through extensive practice with official LSAT materials. The Law School Admission Council provides free and paid resources specifically designed for Reading Comprehension practice.
🎯 LawHub Official Resources
Free LawHub access includes four complete Official LSAT PrepTests with authentic passages and questions. The platform offers question-type-specific drill sets that allow you to focus exclusively on main point questions, building mastery through targeted practice.
LawHub Advantage provides an extensive library of additional Official LSAT PrepTests, giving you access to decades of authentic LSAT questions. This subscription allows you to practice with hundreds of passages and develop pattern recognition for main point questions.
Systematic Practice Progression
Phase 1: Untimed Understanding - Begin with untimed practice, focusing solely on accurately identifying main points. After reading each passage, write out the main point before looking at questions. Then compare your prediction to the correct answer, analyzing any differences.
Phase 2: Pattern Recognition - Practice identifying common wrong answer patterns. For each main point question, even after selecting the correct answer, analyze why each wrong answer is wrong. This builds your ability to eliminate incorrect options quickly.
Phase 3: Timed Practice - Once you're consistently accurate, add time pressure. Practice answering main point questions within approximately 60-90 seconds per question, including the time needed to verify your answer.
Phase 4: Full Section Practice - Complete entire Reading Comprehension sections under timed conditions, applying your main point strategies while managing time across all question types.
Common Questions and Misconceptions
Misconception: The Main Point Is Always the First or Last Sentence
The reality: While main points commonly appear in the first or last paragraph, they can appear anywhere. Relying on position rather than content understanding leads to errors. Always verify that your identified main point is actually supported by the entire passage structure and emphasis.
Misconception: The Main Point Is a Summary of Topics Discussed
The reality: The main point is the author's central argument or thesis, not merely a list of topics covered. A passage might discuss three different theories, but if the author argues that one is superior, that evaluative claim is the main point—not simply that "three theories exist."
Misconception: Main Point Questions Are Easy
The reality: While some main point questions are straightforward, others are quite difficult, especially when passages have complex structures or when wrong answers are carefully crafted to seem plausible. The LSAT deliberately includes main point questions at various difficulty levels.
Misconception: I Should Save Main Point Questions for Last
The reality: Main point questions are excellent to answer early because correctly identifying the main point helps you answer other questions about the same passage. Your understanding of the central thesis informs function questions, inference questions, and structure questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Reference: Main Point At a Glance
| Element | Key Information |
|---|---|
| Question Type | Main Point / Main Idea |
| Frequency | Very Common (1-2 per passage, 4-6 per section) |
| What It Tests | Global understanding of passage's central thesis |
| Recognition Words | "Main point," "main idea," "central idea," "primarily concerned" |
| Most Common Location | First or last paragraph (but can appear anywhere) |
| Time to Answer | 60-90 seconds |
| Best Strategy | Predict before looking at answers; eliminate wrong patterns |
| Most Common Trap | Answers that are too narrow (cover only part of passage) |
🎯 Final Takeaway
Mastering main point questions requires active reading, prediction before answering, and systematic elimination of wrong answer patterns. The main point is not simply what the passage talks about—it's the central claim or thesis that the entire passage exists to support. Practice with official LSAT materials from LawHub, always predict the main point before looking at answers, and learn to recognize the six common wrong answer traps. Main point identification is foundational to LSAT Reading Comprehension success, making these questions worth the investment of focused practice time.