OAR OAR Reading Comprehension: Main Idea 3

Question 1

Read: 'The officer selection process in the Navy involves academic achievement, physical fitness testing, and leadership assessments.
Candidates are evaluated over multiple stages, with each phase eliminating those who do not meet standards.
The goal is to identify individuals who can lead under pressure.' The main idea is:

Accepted Answer

Navy officer selection is a rigorous multi-stage process designed to identify capable leaders.

Answer

Physical fitness is the most important factor in officer selection.

Answer

Many candidates fail the academic portion of officer selection.

Answer

The Navy selects officers primarily based on college GPA.

Question 2

A passage has three paragraphs: one about ocean pollution causes, one about effects on marine life, and one about cleanup efforts. What is the most likely main idea?

Accepted Answer

Ocean pollution is a serious problem with wide-ranging effects that requires active solutions.

Answer

Cleanup efforts are too expensive to be effective.

Answer

Ocean pollution is caused primarily by industrial waste.

Answer

Marine animals are the biggest victims of human pollution.

Question 3

Read: 'Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the brain, preventing feelings of fatigue. It also increases dopamine signaling, which improves mood and alertness. However, regular consumption leads to tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effect.' What is the main idea?

Accepted Answer

Caffeine affects the brain through multiple mechanisms but can lead to tolerance over time.

Answer

Caffeine is addictive and should be avoided.

Answer

Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter affected by caffeine.

Answer

Adenosine receptors control all feelings of fatigue.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes a 'stated' main idea?

Accepted Answer

A main idea expressed directly as a topic sentence in the passage.

Answer

A main idea the reader must piece together from details.

Answer

A main idea found only in graphs or charts accompanying the text.

Answer

A main idea that contradicts the supporting details.

Question 5

Read: 'Voter turnout in local elections is consistently lower than in national elections. Local governments, however, make decisions about schools, roads, and public safety that directly affect daily life. Civic groups argue that increased local participation would produce more responsive governance.' The main idea is:

Accepted Answer

Low local election turnout is unfortunate given how directly local decisions affect residents.

Answer

National elections are more important than local elections.

Answer

Civic groups control local election outcomes.

Answer

Roads and schools are the only issues decided by local governments.

Question 6

A supporting detail differs from the main idea because a supporting detail:

Accepted Answer

Provides specific evidence, examples, or facts that back up the main idea.

Answer

Is always more interesting than the main idea.

Answer

Is stated in the title of the passage.

Answer

Can replace the main idea if it is compelling enough.

Question 7

Read: 'Climate models predict more frequent and intense hurricanes as ocean temperatures rise. Coastal communities face increased flood risk, requiring updated infrastructure and evacuation planning. Insurance companies are already adjusting rates to reflect growing climate liability.' The main idea is:

Accepted Answer

Climate change is driving increased hurricane risk that demands practical responses from communities and industries.

Answer

Insurance companies profit from climate change.

Answer

Rising ocean temperatures will make hurricanes stronger.

Answer

Evacuation planning has eliminated the danger from coastal flooding.