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What defines the main idea of a text?

  1. A minor detail that supports the topic

  2. The author's central thought or chief topic

  3. A specific example from the text

  4. A summary of all the details in the text

The correct answer is: The author's central thought or chief topic

The main idea of a text is defined as the author's central thought or chief topic. This central thought encapsulates the primary message or argument that the author is conveying through their work. It serves as the foundation upon which the rest of the text is built and helps guide the reader's understanding of the overall purpose of the content. While minor details and specific examples can contribute to the theme and overall meaning, they do not embody the comprehensive essence of what the text is communicating. A summary of all details, on the other hand, may attempt to condense the information but does not focus on the central thought itself. The main idea distills the most crucial element that the author wants the reader to grasp, making it easier to follow the narrative or argument laid out throughout the text.