Type 4: Main idea of a passage

The fourth type asks you to read a short passage and choose the writer's central point. You need to find the idea that covers the whole passage, not a single detail.

Strategy 1: Watch the last sentence

Korean explanatory and argumentative texts usually place the conclusion or claim at the end. The core point comes after signal words like '따라서' (therefore), '결국' (in the end), or the ending '-아/어야 한다' (must).

기술은 편리함을 주지만 동시에 사람 사이의 직접적인 대화를 줄인다. 따라서 우리는 기술을 쓰되 얼굴을 마주하는 시간을 의식적으로 지켜야 한다.

gisul-eun pyeollihaam-eul jujiman dongsie saram sai-ui jikjeokjeogin daehwa-reul julinda. ttaraseo uri-neun gisul-eul sseudoe eolgul-eul majuhaneun sigan-eul uisikjeog-euro jikyeoya handa.

Technology brings convenience but reduces direct conversation between people. Therefore, we should use it while consciously protecting face-to-face time.

The main idea here is that we should use technology while protecting time for direct conversation. The first sentence (convenience) is merely a detail.

Strategy 2: Find the repeated keyword

The word that recurs throughout the passage is usually the topic word. Don't mistake an example word that appears only once or twice for the topic.

독서는 지식을 넓힐 뿐만 아니라 공감 능력도 키운다. 또한 꾸준한 독서는 집중력을 기르는 데에도 도움이 된다.

dokseo-neun jisik-eul neolhil ppunman anira gonggam neungnyeokdo kiunda. ttohan kkujunhan dokseo-neun jipjungnyeok-eul gireuneun de-edo doum-i doenda.

Reading not only broadens knowledge but also builds empathy. Moreover, steady reading helps develop concentration.

The repeated word '독서' (reading) is the topic word, and the main idea is the many benefits of reading.

Strategy 3: Drop options that are too broad or too narrow

재활용은 자원을 아끼는 좋은 습관이지만, 애초에 쓰레기를 적게 만드는 것이 더 근본적인 해결책이다.

jaehwalyong-eun jawon-eul akkineun joeun seupgwan-ijiman, aecho-e sseuregi-reul jeokge mandeuneun geos-i deo geunbonjeogin haegyeolchaek-ida.

Recycling is a good habit for saving resources, but reducing waste in the first place is a more fundamental solution.

The main idea is that reducing waste is more fundamental. Picking only 'recycling is good' misses the passage's emphasis.

Trap	Description	Action
세부 정보	예시·근거를 주제로 착각	전체 포괄 확인
너무 넓음	글 범위보다 큰 일반론	근거와 일치 확인
부분 강조	대조의 한쪽만 선택	'-지만' 뒤 주목

Strategy 4: Mark the claim-signal endings

The writer's claim surfaces through obligation endings like '-아/어야 한다' (must), '-(으)ㄹ 필요가 있다' (need to), and '-는 것이 바람직하다' (it is desirable to). The sentence carrying such an ending is the central idea.

환경을 위해 일회용품 사용을 줄여야 한다.

hwangyeong-eul wihae ilhoeyongpum sayong-eul juryeoya handa.

For the environment, we should reduce single-use items.

꾸준한 운동이 무엇보다 중요하다.

kkujunhan undong-i mueotboda jungyohada.

Steady exercise is more important than anything.

성급한 결정은 피하는 것이 바람직하다.

seonggeuphan gyeoljeong-eun pihaneun geos-i baramjikhada.

It is desirable to avoid hasty decisions.

💡 Tip: The writer's real claim often follows a contrast connective like '-지만', '하지만', or '그러나'. Always read carefully right after a contrast connective.

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