OAR OAR Reading Comprehension: Main Idea 4

Question 1

Read: 'The human brain's prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and impulse control, is not fully developed until the mid-twenties. This biological reality helps explain why adolescents often make riskier choices than adults. Understanding brain development informs policies around juvenile justice and age restrictions.' The main idea is:

Accepted Answer

The delayed development of the prefrontal cortex has practical implications for how society treats young people.

Answer

The passage links the neuroscience of brain development to its real-world policy implications, which is the central argument.

Question 2

When a passage opens with a question, the main idea is most likely:

Accepted Answer

The question itself restated as a statement.

Answer

Authors often open with a question to frame the main idea, which the passage then answers or explores.

Question 3

Read: 'Ancient Roman engineers built roads so precisely that many routes still influence modern highway systems. Their aqueducts delivered fresh water across hundreds of miles using only gravity. These achievements demonstrate that sophisticated engineering existed long before modern technology.' What is the main idea?

Accepted Answer

Roman engineering accomplishments reveal that advanced technical skill predates modern technology.

Answer

Both examples (roads and aqueducts) serve to illustrate the conclusion that sophisticated ancient engineering challenges assumptions about historical capability.

Question 4

A passage describes three different leadership styles — autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire — and their effects on team performance. What is the most likely main idea?

Accepted Answer

Leadership style significantly influences how teams perform.

Answer

A passage comparing multiple styles and their outcomes most likely argues that style matters for performance.

Question 5

Read: 'Many species of migratory birds navigate using Earth's magnetic field, an internal compass that guides them thousands of miles. Disruptions to this field, caused by human-made electromagnetic interference, may be disorientating birds and contributing to population declines.' The main idea is:

Accepted Answer

Migratory birds use magnetic navigation, which human electromagnetic interference may be harming.

Answer

The passage links the birds' navigation mechanism to the threat posed by electromagnetic interference, forming the central point.

OAR Test Practice Test

OAR Test Practice Test

OAR OAR Reading Comprehension: Main Idea 4