What does the term "main idea" refer to?

The term "main idea" refers to the central point or message that an author conveys in a text. It encapsulates the primary concept that the text is intended to communicate to the reader. Identifying the main idea is crucial for understanding the overall purpose of a piece of writing, as it helps readers grasp what the author is trying to say and the key takeaways from the text. This understanding enables readers to better engage with and analyze the supporting details that reinforce the main idea throughout the work.

The theme of a book encompasses broader lessons or universal truths that may be expressed through various elements of a narrative, but it does not specifically outline the central message of the text. The conclusion of an article often summarizes findings or thoughts but is not the same as the main idea, which can be established earlier in the text. The introduction, while it may introduce characters or settings, does not encapsulate the main point being made. Therefore, the most accurate definition of "main idea" is indeed the central message conveyed by the author.