GMAT Verbal: Reading Comprehension Main Idea and Detail 3

Question 1

A passage presents two competing economic theories and then sides with neither, calling for more data. The main idea is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A claim that the debate remains unresolved pending further evidence

Answer

Refusing to choose and calling for data signals an unresolved-debate main idea.

Question 2

A detail question asks which characteristic the passage attributes to a particular enzyme. The best approach is to:

Accepted Answer

Locate the enzyme in the text and match the stated characteristic

Answer

Match the answer to the specific characteristic stated in the text.

Question 3

Which of the following would make an answer choice WRONG for a main-idea question?

Accepted Answer

It introduces an idea never mentioned in the passage

Answer

An out-of-scope idea not in the passage cannot be the main idea.

Question 4

A passage's tone shifts from skeptical in early paragraphs to cautiously approving by the end. What does this suggest about the main idea?

Accepted Answer

The author ultimately offers qualified support

Answer

A shift toward cautious approval indicates qualified support as the main point.

Question 5

The phrase 'for instance' in a passage most often signals that the following text is:

Accepted Answer

A supporting example for a preceding claim

Answer

'For instance' introduces an example supporting a prior claim, a detail rather than the main idea.

GMAT Practice Test