to identify the central idea of a passage or a text, one needs to consider the aforementioned. What is the central idea of this passage or text.
Central Idea
Central idea is an overall or universal reflection of all the elements of a story. Central idea can also be described as the central, unifying element of a story which ties all the other element used by the author together in writing his or her story.
How To Identify The Central Idea Of A Passage
Thus, to identify the central idea of a passage or a text, one needs to consider the aforementioned.
Furthermore, there are some provided questions and steps below that could easily help you have a grasp of the central idea of a passage.
To identify the central idea of a passage, firstly, read through the article or text and pay close attention to the features and structures of the text.
After reading through, ask yourself the following direct questions. These questions will give you clues as to what the central idea of a passage is.
- What is the subject of the article, and what does the author reveal about the subject?”
- Ask yourself, “ (That’s the central idea!)
- How is the central idea or theme expressed through the characters, setting, point of view, tone, language, or conflict?
- In what way does the resolution of the external conflict indicate the central idea or theme? How does the resolution of the internal conflict express the story's theme?
- Are symbols, metaphors, or similes used to portray the central idea or theme?
- What are the repeated images, words, or expressions in the story?
- How does the title make sense in terms of the story? Is it significant?
- What the story reveal about society, people in general, the roles of men and women, the time period in which the story takes place?
- Does the central idea make sense in light of the story and the title?