Central Ideas and Details
The Topic + Claim Method · 8 Rules
SAT R&W
Information & Ideas
67 problems · ≈ 1–2 per module
CORD —
C Concept
O Operation · Method
R Recognition
D Drill
What this chapter tests: two question types on one short passage — MAIN IDEA ("the main idea of the text is…") which wants the whole claim, and DETAIL ("according to the text…") which wants one fact stated outright.
Know These 3 Terms
Topic
What the passage is about — a 2–4 word noun phrase. "watermilfoil and methane" · "ravens vs crows" · "Hopi pottery revival"
Claim
What the author says about the topic — one sentence in your own words. "Watermilfoil reduces methane in shallow lakes."
Inference
A one-step conclusion that paraphrases stated text — never a leap. If you need to assume, you've gone too far.
Foundation Rules · 1–3 · Topic + Claim
Rule 1
State the TOPIC in 2–4 words
Drill 38
First, name what the passage is about — a short noun phrase, no verb. This anchors you so off-topic choices stand out instantly.
RecognitionSkips naming the topic and gets pulled toward off-topic choices that sound smart.
Rule 2
State the CLAIM in one sentence
Compress what the author says about the topic into one sentence in your own words, BEFORE peeking at choices. This prevents trap answers from anchoring you.
RecognitionPicks echoed wording before checking the predicted main claim.
Rule 3
MATCH both halves
Every tempting choice has two halves — split at the first comma and test each half against the text. Both halves must be supported. One wrong half = wrong choice.
RecognitionApproves a choice after the first half matches without testing the second half.
Quick Card · Page 1
Topic in 2–4 words · Claim in one sentence · Split at the comma — both halves must match
Central Ideas and Details · Rules 4–8
Specialized Rules · detail handling + 4 traps
SAT R&W
Information & Ideas
Rules Catalog
💡 How to use this with explanations. When you review a wrong answer, the explanation will say violates Rule N.
Look up that rule below to see the pattern and the example. Foundation Rules 1–3 are on Page 1.
The Half-Right trap is the silent killer (Rule 6). The first half of the choice paraphrases the text perfectly, so your brain says yes — then the second half slips in a distortion. Always finish the sentence. Split at the first comma and test each half on its own.
Rule 4
DETAIL = directly stated
Drill 17
When the stem says "according to the text…", the answer is quoted or paraphrased from the passage. No inference, no synthesis. Find the line. If you can't point at it, it's not the answer.
Stem: "according to the text, what is true of X?" → answer is a near-quote, not a smart conclusion
RecognitionPicks a clever inference on a detail question instead of the line actually stated.
Rule 5
Off-Topic trap
(most common · 37%)
Choice sounds reasonable in real life but the text never says it. Common-sense truth doesn't count — only what the passage proves. Test against your 2–4 word TOPIC: if it drifts, kill it.
Topic: methane study → trap: "shallow lakes contain more algae" (not on the page)
RecognitionPicks a real-world-true statement the passage never actually says.
Rule 6
★ Half-Right trap
(~4% in this bank)
First clause matches the text, second clause distorts. You read the first half, agree, and stop reading. Split at the first comma. Test each half separately.
"Watermilfoil reduces methane, AND increases oxygen" — half 1 ✓ half 2 ✗ (not stated)
RecognitionAgrees with the matching first clause and misses the distorted second clause.
Rule 7
Unsupported Inference
(17%)
Drill 12
Choice requires an assumption the text doesn't make. The leap may feel small, but inferences here must paraphrase stated text, not extend it. If you have to add a step, it's wrong.
Text: "the plant reduces methane" → trap: "the plant should be used in climate policy"
RecognitionPicks a one-step-too-far conclusion that requires adding an unstated assumption.
Rule 8
Opposite / Narrow / Broad / Extreme
Four minor traps: Opposite flips the relationship (more↔less). Too Narrow repeats one detail and calls it the main idea. Too Broad covers a bigger topic than the text. Extreme uses always / never / best / only / completely.
Text: one species reduces methane → broad trap: "ALL aquatic plants reduce methane"
RecognitionPicks a choice with always, never, all, or only that overstates the text.
Rules Catalog · Page 2
Topic → Claim → Split at the comma · Detail Qs want a quote, not a clever inference
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