The GRE Verbal Reasoning section tests your ability to understand and analyze written material. A fundamental skill for success is the ability to identify the main idea of a passage and distinguish it from the supporting details. This module will equip you with strategies to excel in this area.

The main idea is the central point or message the author is trying to convey. It's the overarching theme that ties all the other information together. Think of it as the 'big picture' or the 'thesis statement' of the passage. It answers the question: 'What is this passage primarily about?'

Supporting details are the pieces of information that elaborate on, explain, prove, or illustrate the main idea. They provide evidence, examples, facts, statistics, anecdotes, or explanations that strengthen the author's central point. Without supporting details, the main idea would be unsubstantiated and unconvincing.

Here are effective strategies to employ when tackling GRE passages:

Before looking at questions, read the entire passage to get a general understanding of the topic and the author's perspective. Don't get bogged down in specific words or sentences yet.

Many paragraphs have a topic sentence, often the first or last sentence, that states the main idea of that paragraph. For longer passages, the introduction or conclusion often contains the overall main idea.

After reading, summarize the passage in your own words. What is the single most important thing the author wants you to understand?

Pay attention to words or phrases that are repeated or emphasized. These often point to the central theme.

Once you have a potential main idea, check if the other sentences in the passage support it. If a sentence provides an example, fact, or explanation related to your identified main idea, it's likely a supporting detail. If a sentence seems unrelated or introduces a new, distinct point, it might be a distraction or a separate main idea for a different section.

Is the author trying to inform, persuade, entertain, or analyze? Understanding the author's purpose can help you pinpoint the main idea.

Be aware of these common mistakes:

The best way to master identifying main ideas and supporting details is through consistent practice with GRE-style reading comprehension passages. Analyze each passage, identify the main idea, and then list the supporting details. This active engagement will significantly improve your comprehension and test performance.