Main Idea & Inference
Reading Comprehension - SSC GD English Section
Introduction
In Reading Comprehension, SSC GD often asks about Main Idea and Inference questions. These are very easy if you know what to look for.
Main Idea
Central theme of the passage
Inference
Logical conclusion from the passage
Exam Tip: SSC GD keeps them direct and simple — no deep analysis needed.
What Is "Main Idea"?
The central theme or overall message of the passage. It answers the question: "What is the passage mainly talking about?"
Where do you find the main idea?
The first line
The last line
Repeated keywords
Trick:
If 3–4 lines talk about trees, the main idea is importance of trees, NOT a small detail like "trees give shade."
What Is "Inference"?
Inference means a conclusion we can understand from the passage, even if it is not written directly. Not guesswork — logical understanding.
Example:
Passage: "If Riya studies daily, she will score good marks."
Inference → Riya is a hardworking student.
(It's not written, but clearly understood.)
How to Identify MAIN IDEA (Super Shortcut)
✔ Look at the FIRST line
Usually tells the topic.
✔ Look for repeated words
If "health" appears 4 times → the passage is about health.
✔ Ignore small examples
They are supporting details, not the main idea.
✔ Check the LAST line
It usually summarizes the thought.
How to Identify INFERENCE (Super Shortcut)
✔ It should not be EXACTLY written
It must be understood indirectly.
✔ It must be TRUE based on passage
Not imagination.
✔ It must be logical
If the passage says trees give oxygen → we can infer trees are important for life.
Example Passage (SSC GD Level)
PASSAGE
Regular exercise plays a major role in keeping the body healthy. It improves blood circulation, strengthens muscles, and reduces stress. Many doctors advise people to walk for at least 30 minutes every day. Even a simple routine can bring long-term health benefits.
Main Idea Question
What is the main idea of the passage?
Options: (a) Doctors give advice (b) Exercise is important for health (c) People walk every day (d) Muscles need strength
View Answer
Exercise is important for health
(Repeated focus = health benefits of exercise)
Inference Question
What can be inferred from the passage?
Options: (a) Only gym workout is useful (b) Exercise is not needed for young people (c) Walking daily can improve health (d) Stress cannot be reduced
View Answer
Walking daily can improve health
(Not directly written, but clearly understood)
Inference Question
What can be inferred about doctors?
Options: (a) They discourage walking (b) They know exercise helps health (c) They prefer running (d) They dislike exercise
View Answer
They know exercise helps health
(Doctors advising walking → they know its health benefits)
2nd Example Passage (One-Line Inference Style)
PASSAGE
Rohan always completes his homework on time and helps his classmates when they struggle.
Inference:
Rohan is responsible and helpful.
Main Idea:
Rohan's good habits.
Sample Questions (SSC GD Style)
Main idea of a passage about pollution:
Options: (a) Trees are green (b) Pollution harms health (c) Cars are fast (d) People are busy
View Answer
Pollution harms health
What can you infer?
Passage
says: "Meera reads every night before sleeping."
Options: (a) Meera hates reading (b) Meera is regular in her reading habit (c) Meera sleeps late (d) Meera studies only on Sundays
View Answer
Meera is regular in her reading habit
Main idea question:
Passage
about: "Advantages of drinking clean water."
View Answer
Clean water is important for health
Inference:
If passage says:
"Animals are losing their homes due to cutting of forests."
View Answer
Deforestation harms wildlife
Main idea:
Passage about:
"Hard work leads to success."
View Answer
Importance of hard work
Quick Recap
Main Idea
What the entire passage talks about
Found in → first line, last line, repeated keywords
Ignore small details
Inference
Logical conclusion
Not directly written but clearly understood
SSC GD passages are simple and factual
Key Point: No tricky reasoning → answers are straightforward
Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
SSC GD 2022 — Main idea from paragraph on health
SSC GD 2021 — Inference from a passage on discipline
SSC GD 2020 — Main idea: importance of education
SSC GD 2019 — Inference: animals need protection
SSC GD 2018 — Main idea: role of trees in life
You've completed Main Idea & Inference Lesson!
Courage Tip: Master the art of identifying main ideas by focusing on first/last lines and repeated keywords. For inference questions, remember they should be logical conclusions that aren't directly stated but clearly understood from the passage. SSC GD keeps these questions straightforward, so trust your basic comprehension skills.
Master Main Idea & Inference for SSC GD Exam!
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