In an informational text, which statement best distinguishes the central idea from the topic?

• A. The central idea is the main point the author makes about the topic.
• B. The topic is the subject of the passage.
• C. The central idea is the author's purpose for writing.
• D. The topic is the evidence used to support the argument.

Answer: (A)

The main difference tested is what the text is ultimately saying about its subject. The central idea is the main point the author makes about the topic — the claim or message the passage develops and supports with details. The topic is simply what the text is about, the subject matter itself. So the best statement identifies the central idea as the main point about the topic, not just the subject or a list of facts. For example, if the topic is recycling, the central idea might be that recycling reduces waste and saves resources, which the author supports with evidence throughout. The other options mix up these roles: the central idea is not just the author's purpose for writing, and the topic is not the evidence used to support an argument.