Read for the central distinction
Identify main ideas and supporting details.
The idea
Academic passages often distinguish two related concepts. Here, seed movement and successful establishment are different outcomes.
A method to try
- State the distinction in your own words.
- Match each example to the idea it supports.
Follow the reasoning.
A passage contrasts recording the number of trees planted with measuring how many survive after two years. What distinction should a main-idea answer preserve?
- Planting counts an initial action; survival measures a later outcome. The passage’s emphasis is the difference between these measures.
- A detail about a tree species may support the discussion but is unlikely to capture the central point by itself. A main-idea answer should cover the relation that organises the passage.
- After choosing, check whether the answer can accommodate the supporting sentences without adding a claim such as all planting projects fail. A broad topic label is also too vague if it loses the distinction.
Think it through first.
Is “trees” alone an adequate summary of that passage’s main point?
Show the explanation
No.
It names the topic but omits the distinction between initial planting and later survival.
Make it your own
After reading, explain the method in your own words and identify the condition that makes it valid. Then try the linked starter practice without referring back to the worked example. Review the reasoning behind an error before repeating the same item; remembering an answer is different from being able to solve a new problem.
This lesson is one part of a short starter pathway. It does not cover the full exam syllabus or establish a predicted score.
Official references
These provider and publisher links explain the exam or underlying concepts. Our lessons and questions are original, independent practice.
View 3 references and checked dates
- ETS: current TOEFL iBT content and structure (opens in a new tab)Checked 2026-09-20
- ETS: preparation hub (opens in a new tab)Checked 2026-09-20
- ETS: TOEFL iBT Australia guidance (opens in a new tab)Checked 2026-09-29