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Ok, RC has been my adversary for about a year now, and I've always known that probably the MOST frequent question I miss in RC sections is Main Point questions.

I just want to know what exactly these questions are asking for, because the idea of "main point" itself is really rather vague to me. Is it the conclusion that the author comes to? Is it just a general summary of what is in the passage? Or is it more the thesis of the passage?

Please give me pointers for these particular question types for RC. Also, if you have techniques, tricks, things to look out for, or anything of the like that can help me with these, please let me know.

(and if you answer back "main point questions are asking for the main point," I will literally reach through my computer and punch you in the jaw).

THHHHAAANNNNKKKKSSSSS

nothing is worse than missing the first question and main points. How can you miss the freaking MAIN POINT of the passage? hate em.

Advice? Look for the LSAT answer. Might not always be what you think, because my main point prephrase for a lot of passages is "What the fuck did I just read about, classical painting in ancient rome?"

Make sure you choose the one that addresses the entire passage, not just something brief in the first paragraph. Even if I see a main point answer choice I really like, I'll quickly scan the rest of the answers to see if there is a better answer choice. I don't advise this because it is time consuming but I'm a little anal about getting the first question right.

bartleby wrote:Make sure you choose the one that addresses the entire passage, not just something brief in the first paragraph. Even if I see a main point answer choice I really like, I'll quickly scan the rest of the answers to see if there is a better answer choice. I don't advise this because it is time consuming but I'm a little anal about getting the first question right.

This.

Main point questions are like elimination questions on the LG section. They should be free points: you know they are going to ask, so be prepared for it.

The right answer will always encompass the whole passage. When you read, make sure you are aware of how many points of view are expressed, and the author's attitude toward each. Usually, the right answer will just be a paraphrase of the sentence(s) that most clearly express the author's point of view.

I have a question: do they mean anything different when they ask for the "main point" and the "main idea"? Subtle difference or two ways of saying the exact same thing?

^^^ Thanks for the advice everyone, but BUMP for BigA's question. I'm assuming same thing, but please clarify.

Same thing.

Sandro777 wrote:.... my main point prephrase for a lot of passages is "What the fuck did I just read about, classical painting in ancient rome?"

hahahaha