Reading Comprehension: Main Idea Flashcards
7 cards from real ISAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
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A passage about ancient Rome discusses its legal system, engineering achievements, and cultural influence on Western civilization. The unifying main idea is:
Answer: Ancient Rome's contributions continue to shape modern Western civilization.
The three topics — law, engineering, and culture — all support the claim that Rome's legacy persists in Western society.
A passage's main idea is: 'Mindfulness meditation can reduce anxiety.' Which supporting detail best fits this main idea?
Answer: A study showing anxiety scores dropped after eight weeks of daily meditation.
Only this option directly provides evidence for the causal claim that meditation reduces anxiety.
An author writes a passage arguing that libraries are essential public institutions. Three of the paragraphs discuss books, and one paragraph discusses public computer access programs. The odd paragraph is likely:
Answer: An additional supporting detail that broadens the main idea
Computer access programs represent another library service that supports the broader claim that libraries are essential public institutions.
A passage ends: 'In sum, the data clearly show that early childhood education programs produce measurable long-term benefits for individuals and society.' This sentence is best described as:
Answer: A restatement of the main idea
Phrases like 'in sum' signal a concluding restatement that synthesizes the passage's main argument.
A passage presents three scientists with opposing theories about dinosaur extinction. The main idea is most likely:
Answer: The cause of dinosaur extinction remains scientifically debated.
Presenting multiple competing theories signals that the passage's central point is the ongoing scientific debate, not advocacy for one theory.
Which answer choice for a main idea question should a test-taker be most cautious about selecting?
Answer: An answer that is too narrow and only describes one paragraph's content
A main idea that only covers one paragraph is a supporting detail, not the central claim of the whole passage.
A passage about the gig economy discusses income instability, lack of benefits, and worker flexibility. A test answer states: 'Workers in the gig economy experience significant trade-offs between flexibility and financial security.' Is this a good main idea?
Answer: Yes, because it captures the tension between the advantages and disadvantages described.
The answer synthesizes both the negative aspects (instability, no benefits) and the positive aspect (flexibility) into a balanced main idea.