The question asks for the central message of the whole passage — what the author is mainly arguing or doing. Wrong options either describe just one example (too narrow) or go beyond the passage entirely (too broad).
How to identify this type
1
The stem asks for the main point, best summary, best title or primary purpose.
2
You need to account for the whole passage, not just one part.
3
The right answer describes the argument's direction, not just its topic.
Signal wording in question stems
The main point of the passage is…The passage is primarily about…Which best summarises…The best title for this passage would be…The primary purpose of the passage is…
PROVE for this question type
P — Passage only
The main idea must be grounded in the passage — don't go beyond what it argues.
R — Read opening and closing
The author's central argument usually appears near the start and is restated at the end.
O — One structural turn
Find the major contrast or pivot in the passage — 'however,' 'but,' 'yet' often mark the author's real point.
V — Breadth check
The right answer covers the whole passage. Too narrow = one example. Too broad = not established.
E — Eliminate scope errors
A detail that appears once cannot be the main point, however vivid.
Worked examples
Example 1Detail vs whole argument
Passage
For decades, governments have attempted to reduce traffic congestion primarily by building additional roads. Such projects can initially improve journey times, but the effect is often temporary because greater road capacity encourages more people to drive. Public transport investment, cycling infrastructure and changes to land use may therefore be needed alongside road expansion. The challenge of congestion is not simply a shortage of road space, but a consequence of how cities organise and encourage travel.
Question
Which option best summarises the main point of the passage?
A.Building roads is always a waste of public money.
B.Traffic congestion requires a broader approach than simply expanding road capacity.✓ CORRECT
C.Cycling is the most effective solution to urban congestion.
D.Governments have consistently failed to manage urban infrastructure.
Working through it
Opening claim
Governments have relied on building roads.
Major turn
'but the effect is often temporary' — the author questions this approach.
Conclusion
'not simply a shortage of road space, but a consequence of how cities organise travel.'
Test A
'Always a waste' — the passage says roads can help temporarily. Too strong.
Test B
'Broader approach needed' — exactly what the whole passage argues.
Test C
Cycling is one example. The passage doesn't say it's the best solution.
Test D
'Consistently failed' — too strong and too broad.
Key evidence
“The challenge of congestion is not simply a shortage of road space, but a consequence of how cities organise and encourage travel.”
ANSWERB — Traffic congestion requires a broader approach than simply expanding road capacity
Common trap here
Option C (cycling) appears in the passage — but mentioning something once doesn't make it the main point.
Traps specific to this type
Vivid detail
A striking statistic or example can feel like the main point but is often just evidence.
Topic without angle
Naming the subject is not the same as capturing the author's argument about it.
Ignoring the conclusion
The final sentence often contains the real thesis — don't skip it.
Too narrow
Any answer that only describes one paragraph, example or study is probably wrong.
✓
Practice tip
The question asks for the main point, best summary, purpose or best title. Remember the quick check: Prioritise the opening, conclusion and major contrast turns.