What best describes the main idea of a news article?

• A. The central point the author wants you to take away
• B. A list of dates and places mentioned
• C. The page numbers where events occur
• D. The number of sources cited

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is identifying the central point the author wants you to take away after reading a news article. A news piece collects facts, events, and quotes to build toward one clear takeaway about what happened and why it matters. The central point ties all the details together and gives the reader a sense of the article’s purpose and significance.

Details like dates and places matter because they support the story, but they aren’t the main message themselves. The number of sources cited describes how the article supports its point, not the point itself. Page numbers aren’t the idea at all, especially in online articles. To spot the main idea, look for the central claim or conclusion stated or clearly implied in the opening and reinforced through the rest of the story.