What aspect of reading should students focus on to effectively analyze passages?

Focusing on passage structure and main ideas is crucial for effectively analyzing texts because this approach allows students to break down the content into manageable parts. By identifying the structure, such as how the passage is organized, the sequencing of ideas, and the relationship between paragraphs, students gain insight into the overall argument or purpose of the text. Understanding the main ideas promotes comprehension and enables students to evaluate the effectiveness of the author's arguments, identify supporting details, and recognize any thematic elements present.

While contextual background and the author's background can provide valuable insights into the text's creation and purpose, they are secondary to grasping the core message and organization of the passage itself. Personal opinions on the content, though valid in a discussion setting, do not contribute to an objective analysis needed for academic assessments. Hence, concentrating on structure and main ideas equips students with the analytical skills necessary for deeper comprehension and critical evaluation.