Which core reading skill is emphasized for informational texts?

• A. Creating characters
• B. Imagining setting
• C. Identifying central ideas
• D. Analyzing meter in poetry

Answer: (C)

The key skill for reading informational texts is identifying the central idea—the main point the author wants you to understand, along with the primary details that support it. Informational passages are built to explain a topic, present evidence, and convey a clear purpose. By pinpointing the central idea, you can see how the facts and details connect and why the information matters, which helps you grasp the text as a whole.

Think about how these texts are typically organized: there’s often a thesis or main claim, with supporting details, examples, and explanations arranged to reinforce that idea. Recognizing that overarching message lets you distinguish what’s essential from the specifics.

Conversely, options like imagining characters or setting belong to fiction, where the focus is on people and places rather than factual information. Analyzing meter is a skill from poetry, concentrating on rhythm and sound patterns rather than conveying factual content. These are not the primary reading focus for informational texts.

So, identifying the central idea is the best fit for how informational texts are designed to be understood.