Nelson-Denny Reading Test Reading Comprehension: Identifying Main Ideas 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passage states: 'Coral reefs support thousands of marine species, protect coastlines from erosion, and provide food for millions of people worldwide. Yet rising ocean temperatures continue to bleach and kill these ecosystems at an alarming rate.' What is the main idea?
- Ocean temperatures are rising due to climate change.
- Coral reefs are vital ecosystems that are threatened by warming oceans. (Correct answer)
- Millions of people rely on fish from coral reef areas.
- Bleaching is the primary cause of coral reef destruction.
Correct answer: Coral reefs are vital ecosystems that are threatened by warming oceans.
The passage introduces coral reefs' value and then emphasizes the threat they face, making option B the unifying main idea.
Question 2: When a passage opens with a broad claim and follows it with several specific examples, the main idea is most likely found in the:
- Last example given
- Opening broad claim (Correct answer)
- Middle of the passage
- Transitional phrases between examples
Correct answer: Opening broad claim
In a deductive structure, the opening broad claim is the main idea, and the examples serve as supporting details.
Question 3: A passage describes several scientists' failed attempts to synthesize a compound, then concludes: 'These repeated failures suggest the molecule may be inherently unstable.' What is the main idea?
- Many scientists have tried and failed to work with this compound.
- The molecule's inherent instability is suggested by repeated failed syntheses. (Correct answer)
- Chemists need better laboratory equipment.
- The compound has never been observed in nature.
Correct answer: The molecule's inherent instability is suggested by repeated failed syntheses.
The concluding sentence synthesizes the examples into the main point: the molecule may be inherently unstable.
Question 4: Which of the following is the best definition of the 'main idea' of a passage?
- The first sentence of every paragraph
- The most interesting fact presented
- The central point the author develops throughout the passage (Correct answer)
- A summary of the conclusion only
Correct answer: The central point the author develops throughout the passage
The main idea is the central point that unifies all parts of the passage, not just any single sentence or fact.
Question 5: A passage reads: 'Early jazz emerged from African American communities in New Orleans, blending blues, ragtime, and spirituals. It later spread across the US, influencing rock, funk, and hip-hop. Today, jazz is recognized as America's classical music.' What is the main idea?
- New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz.
- Jazz has influenced many modern music genres.
- Jazz originated in African American culture and evolved into a foundational American art form. (Correct answer)
- Spirituals and blues were the two main roots of jazz.
Correct answer: Jazz originated in African American culture and evolved into a foundational American art form.
The passage traces jazz from its origins through its influence and cultural status, making its origin and enduring impact the main idea.
Question 6: In the Nelson-Denny Reading Test, a main idea question that asks 'The best title for this passage would be...' requires you to find:
- A title that reflects a minor but interesting detail
- A title broad enough to cover all the passage's major points (Correct answer)
- The exact words from the first sentence
- A title that summarizes only the conclusion
Correct answer: A title broad enough to cover all the passage's major points
A good title for a passage captures its overall scope, covering all major points rather than focusing on a single detail.
Question 7: A passage about electric vehicles discusses battery range, charging infrastructure, purchase incentives, and environmental benefits. A student says the main idea is 'batteries are expensive.' Why is this incorrect?
- The passage never mentions batteries.
- Battery cost is only one detail; it doesn't encompass the passage's full scope. (Correct answer)
- The main idea must always appear in the last paragraph.
- Environmental topics always override economic topics in main idea selection.
Correct answer: Battery cost is only one detail; it doesn't encompass the passage's full scope.
Identifying a single detail as the main idea misses the broader focus; the main idea must account for all the major topics discussed.
Nelson-Denny Reading Test Reading Comprehension: Identifying Main Ideas 2
A passage states: 'Coral reefs support thousands of marine species, protect coastlines from erosion, and provide food for millions of people worldwide.
Yet rising ocean temperatures continue to bleach and kill these ecosystems at an alarming rate.' What is the main idea?