Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The main idea represents the central point or message that an author wants readers to take away from a text. It summarizes the overall purpose or focus of a piece of writing.
Related terms
Supporting Details: Supporting details are specific pieces of information that help develop and reinforce the main idea. They provide evidence and examples to support the central point.
Theme: Theme refers to the underlying message or universal truth explored in a literary work. It goes beyond just summarizing events and connects to broader ideas or human experiences.
The central argument is similar to the main idea but often used in persuasive or argumentative writing. It represents the author's position on an issue and is supported by evidence and reasoning.