What do we call a central idea that gives life to a piece of writing?

The central idea that gives life to a piece of writing is referred to as the "main idea." This concept encapsulates the primary point or argument that the author intends to convey throughout the text. It serves as the foundation upon which the entire piece is structured, helping to guide the reader's understanding of the content and the author’s purpose. By focusing on the main idea, readers can grasp the essential message and interpret the supporting details and arguments within the writing.

Identifying the main idea is crucial for comprehension and helps in summarizing the text effectively, ensuring that the reader captures the essence of what is being communicated. In terms of the choices provided, while "theme" also pertains to significant underlying messages or moral lessons often explored in literature and broader contexts, it does not specifically center on the practical point of a single piece of writing. The "topic," on the other hand, merely refers to the subject matter but does not convey the depth or argument of the text like the main idea does. "Position" typically involves a stance or perspective taken by the author and lacks the encompassing nature that defines the main idea.