PARCC Reading Main Idea Practice Questions Story 2

2. What is the main idea of this passage?

A. Potatoes from Ireland started the Potato Revolution.

B. The average American eats 50 pounds of potatoes a year.

C. French fries are made from potatoes.

D. Potatoes are a key vegetable in America.

E. The various terms for potatoes have a long history.

Correct! Wrong!

2: D: The main idea is the importance of potatoes in America. It never mentions Ireland or any Potato Revolution (A). (B) is both incorrect-the passage states 100 lbs., not 50-and regardless of accuracy, is a detail, not the main idea. Readers already know French fries are made from potatoes (C), a detail the passage assumes. Several various terms for potatoes are mentioned in the second paragraph, but their history (E) is never discussed.