How should a test-taker approach a question that asks for the "main argument" of a passage?

• A. By selecting a statement that summarizes the entire passage
• B. By identifying the central claim or thesis the author is making throughout the passage
• C. By finding the author’s most complex vocabulary
• D. By choosing the statement that presents the author’s opinion only

Answer: (B)

To determine the "main argument" of a passage, the test-taker should focus on identifying the central claim or thesis that the author puts forth throughout the text. This involves understanding the overarching message or point that the author is trying to convey, which often serves as a foundational concept from which other ideas in the passage develop.

A careful reading of the passage allows the test-taker to discern the key viewpoints and evidence that support the author's main argument. This central thesis is typically succinct and encapsulates the author's intent, rather than merely summarizing all content or focusing on complex vocabulary.

In contrast, selecting a statement that summarizes the entire passage may overlook nuances and specific claims that are critical to understanding the main argument. Focusing solely on vocabulary complexity or choosing a statement that only reflects the author's personal opinions could miss the broader context and claims that the author is establishing. Therefore, centering on the thesis or central claim offers the most coherent understanding of the passage’s primary message.