ISEE Middle Level Reading Comprehension

Learn how to master reading passages, analyze information, and answer questions effectively for the ISEE Middle Level exam.

Understanding Passage TypesFinding the Main IdeaMaking Inferences
Analyzing Author's Purpose and ToneIdentifying Supporting EvidenceUnderstanding Vocabulary in Context
Applying Reading Skills to SchoolworkReading for Everyday LifeConnecting Reading to Current Events
Time Management During the TestAnswering Multiple Choice QuestionsActive Reading Techniques
Understanding Passag...Finding the Main Ide...Making InferencesAnalyzing Author's P...Identifying Supporti...Understanding Vocabu...Applying Reading Ski...Reading for Everyday...Connecting Reading t...Time Management Duri...Answering Multiple C...Active Reading Techn...
Basic Concepts

Finding the Main Idea

Discovering the Central Message

Every passage has a main idea—the most important point the author wants to communicate. This is often found in the first or last sentences of a paragraph, but sometimes you need to infer it from supporting details.

How to Find the Main Idea

  1. Skim the passage to get a general sense of the topic.
  2. Look for repeated words or themes—these often point to the main idea.
  3. Ask yourself: What is the author mostly talking about?

Supporting Details

Supporting details are facts, examples, or reasons that explain or prove the main idea.

Practice Makes Perfect

Practice by reading short paragraphs and summarizing them in one sentence. This helps you get better at spotting main ideas quickly!

Examples

  • A paragraph about recycling that mentions benefits and ways to recycle has the main idea: Recycling helps the environment.

  • A story about a girl training for a race, focusing on her hard work, has the main idea: Hard work leads to success.

In a Nutshell

Identify the main idea to understand the passage's overall message.

Next
Making Inferences