RC Main Point Questions: Why 80% of Students Pick the Wrong Answer

Main point questions seem deceptively simple. "What's the main point?" How hard could it be? Apparently, very hard, because most students get these wrong even when they understand the passage perfectly.

Here's the problem: students confuse main point with primary purpose, or they pick something that's important but not actually the central claim. It's like being asked "What's this movie about?" and answering "It has great cinematography." True, but not what they asked.

Let me show you exactly what the LSAT is looking for and how to avoid the traps that catch everyone else.

What IS a Main Point?

The main point is the author's central claim - the one big idea they're trying to convince you of. It's what the author would say if you asked them: "So, what's your point?"

Main Point vs. Primary Purpose:

Main Point: WHAT the author argues

Example: "Social media algorithms increase political polarization"

Primary Purpose: WHY the author wrote the passage

Example: "To argue that social media algorithms increase political polarization"

The Three Deadly Traps

Trap #1: The Important Detail

Wrong answers often cite important information that supports the main point but isn't the main point itself.

Remember: Supporting evidence ≠ Main point

Trap #2: The Scope Shift

Wrong answers are often too broad or too narrow compared to the actual main point.

Check: Does this answer cover exactly what the author argued?

Trap #3: The Opposite Position

Some wrong answers present the opposite of what the author actually argued.

Double-check: Is this what the author believes or what they're arguing against?

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