FREE CELPIP Reading: Skimming for Main Idea Questions and Answers

Question 1

When skimming a text, what is the primary objective?

Accepted Answer

To gain a general understanding of the text's main points.

Answer

To analyze every detail and supporting argument.

Answer

To memorize specific facts and figures.

Answer

To evaluate the author's tone and style extensively.

Question 2

A student is preparing for a class discussion and has a long article to read. To quickly grasp the core arguments and identify relevant sections for their contribution, which reading strategy should they prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Skimming for the main idea.

Answer

Reading aloud to improve pronunciation.

Answer

Translating every unfamiliar word.

Answer

Highlighting every sentence containing a noun.

Question 3

Which of the following elements is LEAST important to focus on when you are skimming a text to find its main idea?

Accepted Answer

Detailed statistical data.

Answer

Topic sentences of paragraphs.

Answer

Headings and subheadings.

Answer

The introduction and conclusion.

Question 4

You pick up a newspaper and quickly glance at the headlines, the first sentence of each article, and any bolded text. What are you most likely trying to achieve?

Accepted Answer

To understand the main news stories of the day.

Answer

To find the specific publication date of the newspaper.

Answer

To critique the journalistic writing style.

Answer

To memorize the names of all reporters.

Question 5

When skimming a chapter in a textbook, what is an effective technique to identify the main idea?

Accepted Answer

Focus on the first and last sentences of paragraphs, and look at visuals.

Answer

Read every word slowly and carefully.

Answer

Only read the captions under the pictures.

Answer

Rewrite the entire chapter in your own words.

Question 6

A colleague sends you a lengthy email about a new project. You need to decide if it's urgent or if you can read it in detail later. What is the best skimming approach in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Look for keywords like 'urgent,' 'deadline,' or 'action required' and read the introduction/conclusion.

Answer

Read it word-for-word immediately.

Answer

Forward it to someone else without reading.

Answer

Print it out and highlight every sentence.