10th English Unseen Passage: Reading unseen passages is an important skill in exams. Many students find it difficult to identify the central theme, but with the right approach, it becomes easy. The central theme is the main idea or message that the author wants to convey. Let’s explore some unique and practical ways to find it.
Important | CBSE Class 10 English Last Minute Tips for Quick Revision
How to Identify the Central Theme in Unseen Passages?
Follow these simple tips to get to the main theme of the comprehensive passage to score well in your CBSE 10th English board exam 2024-25.
1. Read the Passage with a Purpose
Before reading, set your mind to look for the main idea rather than just words. Read the passage carefully and slowly, paying attention to key sentences that seem important.
2. Identify the Repeated Ideas
Authors often repeat important words or ideas to emphasise their main point. Underline or note down any idea that appears multiple times in different forms.
3. Focus on the First and Last Sentences
The opening sentence often introduces the main idea, while the conclusion summarises it. Comparing these two can give a clear picture of what the passage is about.
4. Look for Transition Words
Words like "however," "therefore," "on the other hand," and "in conclusion" signal shifts in ideas. These can guide you towards the main theme by showing how ideas are connected.
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5. Ask Yourself: What is the Author Trying to Say?
Instead of just looking for facts, think about the purpose of the passage. Is it to inform, persuade, describe, or narrate? This will help you understand the deeper meaning.
6. Ignore Extra Details
Not everything in the passage is important for the central theme. Examples, statistics, and descriptions often support the main idea but are not the theme itself. Filter out unnecessary details.
7. Check the Title (If Given)
If the passage has a title or heading, it usually hints at the main theme. Even if the title is missing, you can try creating a title yourself. This will help in summarising the theme.
8. Find the Emotional Tone
The way an author writes (serious, humorous, hopeful, critical) helps to identify the main message. A passage about climate change with a concerned tone may focus on the need for action.
9. Summarise in One Sentence
After reading, try to sum up the entire passage in one sentence in your own words. If you can do this, you have most likely found the central theme.
10. Practice with Different Passages
Understanding themes takes practice. Try reading different types of passages (stories, articles, speeches) and applying these strategies. Over time, it will become easier.
Finding the central theme is not about memorising answers but understanding the message. By following these steps, students can quickly and accurately identify the main idea of any unseen passage. Keep practising, and soon, it will feel natural!
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