The central argument is essentially the main idea. What is the main point that the passage argues? All of the supporting details will support this point.
EXAMPLE PASSAGE:
I like dogs better than cats, because they can do tricks, are good friends, and can be helpful in our community. First, dogs can do tricks. Dogs can play fetch, shake, spin in circles, and more. While cats do these, dogs are much better at doing them on command. Second, dogs are great friends. The age old saying states, “Dogs are a man’s best friend.” This supports that dogs are great friends. Third, dogs help our community. Dogs can be service dogs or help the police. Cats don’t help our community the way dogs do. To conclude, dogs are better than cats.
CENTRAL ARGUMENT EXAMPLE:
The central argument of the passage is that dogs are better than cats.