Main Idea Passages

Which is the best advice for taking the TOEFL Reading Comprehension test?

• Read everything, you have plenty of time.

• Be familiar with the directions before you take the test.

• Don't read all of the answers.

• Don't read any of the passages.

Which part of the TOEFL exam will you have to skim?

• The questions

• The instructions

• The reading passages

• The answers

Floods can cause tremendous damage. They can ruin houses, roads and buildings. Floods can take down trees and cause mudslides. It often leaves mud, sand and debris behind. It can take months to clean up after a flood.

What is the main idea?

• Floods can cause a lot of damage.

• Floods cause mudslides.

• Floods damage houses and roads.

A bat can fly at night or even with its eyes closed.  But if you cover its ears, it can't fly very well.  Bats make sounds that people can't hear.  The bats find their way by listening to these sounds as they echo off things.  Bats even locate insects to eat by following the sounds that bounce off the bugs.  People use their eyes, but bats use their ears to know where they're going.  This paragraph mainly tells:

• how bats use sound

• what things bats often eat as food

• how bats fly toward people

• how people can hear the sounds of bats

What is the main idea of a passage?

• The central point or message the author wants to convey

• The first sentence of the passage

• The most interesting fact in the passage

• The conclusion of the passage

Which sentence best summarizes the main idea of a passage about climate change?

• Climate change is a controversial topic.

• Climate change affects weather patterns globally.

• Many people discuss climate change.

• Climate change is mentioned in the news.

In a passage about the benefits of exercise, what would likely be the main idea?

• Exercise is a waste of time.

• Exercise can improve mental and physical health.

• Exercise is only for athletes.

• Exercise is too difficult for most people.

What is the main idea of a passage that describes the process of photosynthesis?

• Photosynthesis is a complex scientific process.

• Photosynthesis occurs in plants.

• Photosynthesis is essential for plant survival.

• Photosynthesis is a topic in biology.

Which of the following is NOT a way to identify the main idea of a passage?

• Look for repeated words or phrases.

• Identify the topic sentence.

• Focus on the details only.

• Consider the overall message.

In a story about a hero's journey, what is the main idea likely to focus on?

• The hero's favorite food.

• The hero's personal growth and challenges.

• The hero's clothing choices.

• The hero's pet.