Main Ideas in Passages
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Lesson overview
Identifying the central point of comprehension passages.
Go to lesson quiz →Exam guidance · WAEC WASSCE Paper 1 + Paper 2 Lens
Core idea (Evidence-Based Reading, Tone & Logical Inference): Every valid inference must be directly anchored in passage text — eliminate options with extreme quantifiers ('always', 'never') or out-of-scope leaps.
Pacing
Objective speed on Paper 1 + structured step-by-step method marks on Paper 2 Theory/Practical.
How WAEC marks this
Examiners award method marks (M1) for stating the formula/definition and accuracy marks (A1) ONLY when SI units are written.
Watch out for
Writing bare numbers without working or omitting SI units loses up to 50% of Paper 2 marks even when the final value is right.
Lesson content
Overview — Main Ideas in Passages
Identifying the central point of comprehension passages. This lesson is at the beginner level — by the end, you'll be able to recognise this question type, apply a reliable method, and avoid the traps that cost marks.
Key Concept
The main idea is the single most important point a passage is making — usually found in the first or last sentence of a paragraph, though not always stated outright.
Why It's Tested This Way
WAEC tests main-idea questions first in every comprehension passage because if you can't find the main idea, you'll struggle with every other question about that same passage — it's the foundation the rest of the exercise builds on.
Method
Read the whole passage once for overall meaning before answering any questions. Ask yourself: 'what is this paragraph mainly about?' — the answer is usually broader than any single supporting detail.
Worked Example
Worked example: A passage describing three different farming methods, then concluding that modern techniques increase yield, has a main idea of 'modern farming techniques increase crop yield' — not any single method mentioned along the way.
Second Worked Example
Second worked example: A passage opening with 'Education is the key to national development' and spending the rest of the paragraph giving examples has its main idea stated directly in that opening sentence — the examples support it, they aren't the main idea themselves.
Common Traps
Common trap: choosing an answer that describes a supporting DETAIL from the passage rather than its overall main idea.
Lesson Summary
Remember: (1) identify what is being asked, (2) apply the WAEC strategy, (3) check against the traps. Complete the 10-question quiz below to unlock the next lesson — you need at least 60% to pass.
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