1. Overview
  2. OPUS Resources
  3. Central Ideas and Details Questions on the Digital SAT

Central Ideas and Details Questions on the Digital SAT

Learn how to effectively identify main ideas and extract supporting details from text passages.

 

The "Central Ideas and Details" question on the digital SAT evaluates students' analytical skills by asking them to engage deeply with various text passages. The task here is to discern the primary theme or central idea of a text and understand or interpret the significant details that reinforce that idea.

 

Example Question:

Renowned for his innovative approach, Chef Anderson specializes in reimagining classic dishes using only locally sourced ingredients. For instance, the signature flavor of his celebrated 'Ocean Breeze' appetizer arises from using fresh seaweed and saltwater clams gathered from the nearby coastline. To enhance the authenticity of flavors, Anderson often incorporates fresh herbs grown in the restaurant's garden.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

  • A) Chef Anderson's 'Ocean Breeze' appetizer has significantly influenced the menus of other local restaurants.

  • B) The local coastline is known for its abundant variety of edible seaweed and clams.

  • C) Chef Anderson utilizes local ingredients to innovate and bring authenticity to his dishes.

  • D) Maintaining the restaurant's herb garden is an overwhelming task for Chef Anderson.

    Answer

    Correct Answer: Choice C is the best answer. The passage emphasizes Chef Anderson's practice of using locally sourced ingredients to innovate and authenticate his culinary creations.

    Distractor Explanations:

    • Choice A is incorrect because, although 'Ocean Breeze' is mentioned, there's no information about its influence on other restaurants.

    • Choice B is incorrect because the passage doesn't discuss the general reputation of the coastline, just that specific ingredients are sourced from there.

    • Choice D is incorrect because there's no mention of the difficulty involved in maintaining the herb garden.

     

 



How to Solve Central Ideas and Details Questions

  1. 1. Read the Passage

    Start by reading the text carefully to understand its general content. You're not just reading for specific details but the overall idea. Recognize that the passage discusses Chef Anderson's unique approach to cooking and his use of local resources.

    Summarize the passage in your own words.

    What is the primary focus of the passage?

    1. A) Chef Anderson's awards and recognitions
    2. B) The local ingredients used in Chef Anderson's dishes
    3. C) Chef Anderson's culinary techniques



 

  1. 2. Identify the Main Idea

    This step involves critical thinking. You need to abstract from the specifics of Chef Anderson's 'Ocean Breeze' appetizer to the broader practice he employs: using local ingredients to innovate traditional dishes. It's not about one dish but his overarching method.

    Find the theme or principal concept that is recurrent throughout the passage.

    Which statement aligns with the passage's main idea?

    1. A) Chef Anderson's menu is highly influential in the local culinary scene.
    2. B) Chef Anderson's dishes are known for their locally sourced ingredients.
    3. C) Chef Anderson trains other chefs on sustainable cooking practices.



 

  1. 3. Predict an Answer

    Before looking at the options, formulate your understanding of the main idea. Here, it would be something like, "Chef Anderson uses locally sourced ingredients to create innovative and authentic dishes."

    Propose a phrase or sentence that could represent the main idea of the passage.

    Which of the following options is most indicative of the passage's main idea?

    1. A) Innovation in traditional dishes through local ingredients
    2. B) The economic impact of Chef Anderson's cooking methods
    3. C) The challenges Chef Anderson faces in sourcing local ingredients



 

  1. 4. Evaluate the Options

    Go through each choice and consider if it matches the main idea you identified. Dissect them:

    • Choice A talks about the influence, which the passage doesn't discuss.

    • Choice B focuses on the coastline's reputation, which is not covered in the text.

    • Choice C reflects the pre-formulated answer from earlier, making it a likely correct choice.

    • Choice D discusses the herb garden's maintenance, which is irrelevant here.

 

  1. 5. Use Elimination

    Disregard the obviously incorrect answers. A and B are irrelevant to the main focus of the passage, and D introduces an idea (difficulty of garden maintenance) that the passage doesn't include. You're left with C, which aligns perfectly with the main idea.

 

  1. 6. Double-checking your answer

    Double-check option C against the passage to ensure it comprehensively reflects the main idea. It should encapsulate the entirety of what the author is trying to convey about Chef Anderson’s practices.

    Match your selected option with the passage to affirm its accuracy.

    Why does option C (from the main question) correctly state the main idea?

    1. A) It highlights Chef Anderson's culinary philosophy.
    2. B) It details the recipe for 'Ocean Breeze.'
    3. C) It discusses the awards received by Chef Anderson.





Tips and Tricks

  • Don't Get Bogged Down in Details

    Specifics in the passage serve the main idea, not the other way around. Focus on understanding the bigger picture.

  • Paraphrase

    Put the main idea in your own words to prevent confusion and help match the options against a "standard" you understand.

  • Beware of Partially True Answers

    Some options might seem correct because they touch on something true from the passage, but they're not comprehensive. The right answer encapsulates the central point of the entire passage.

  • Keep Context

    The correct answer should reflect the main idea without additional information or assumptions. If it seems like you need to infer something that's not directly stated for an option to be true, it's likely incorrect.

  • Recheck Under Pressure

    If you feel unsure, go back to the passage. It's your most reliable source of information. Rereading can help clarify doubts when you're under exam pressure

© 2025 Digital SAT - Knowledgebase