Main Idea
Many students believe that being busy means being productive. They fill their schedules with advanced classes, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs, leaving little time for rest. While involvement can be valuable, constant busyness often leads to burnout rather than success. Productivity depends more on focus and balance than on how full a schedule appears. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Students should avoid extracurricular activities
B. Being busy does not always mean being productive
C. Advanced classes cause stress for most students
D. Time management is difficult for high school students
Although Maya studied for hours, she left the exam feeling uncertain. Several questions seemed familiar, yet she second-guessed her answers. When the results were posted, Maya avoided looking at them until the end of the day. What can be inferred about Maya?
A. She did not prepare for the exam
B. She feels anxious about her performance
C. She knows she failed the exam
D. She forgot most of the material
When the group project began, everyone talked at once. By the third meeting, only two voices remained, steady and controlled, while the others faded into the background like static. What does the phrase “faded into the background like static” suggest about the group members?
A. They became more confident over time
B. They were physically absent from meetings
C. Their contributions became unclear or insignificant
D. They intentionally disrupted the project
Jordan has a major test on Friday and a group presentation scheduled for the same day. The presentation requires coordination with three classmates, while the test is based on content Jordan already understands fairly well. Jordan only has limited time after school during the week. What is the most effective problem-solving approach for Jordan?
A. Spend all available time studying for the test
B. Delay preparation until the night before
C. Prioritize organizing the group presentation early
D. Ask to be excused from one of the assignments
Technology has made information easier to access than ever before. With a quick search, students can find summaries, answers, and explanations in seconds. However, this convenience can reduce deep thinking, as students may rely on quick answers instead of understanding concepts. Easy access to information does not always lead to meaningful learning. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Technology makes schoolwork faster
B. Students should avoid using technology for learning
C. Access to information does not guarantee deep understanding
D. Online resources are more helpful than textbooks
The teacher asked the class to discuss the article, but only a few students raised their hands. Most avoided eye contact and flipped through their notes. When the bell rang, several students sighed with relief. What can be inferred about the students?
A. They found the article very interesting
B. They were confident in their understanding
C. They were uncomfortable participating in the discussion
D. They wanted the discussion to continue
The counselor described senior year as a narrow bridge: wide enough to cross, but too tight to wander without losing focus. What does the “narrow bridge” symbolize?
A. The difficulty of graduating early
B. Limited time and margin for mistakes
C. The structure of the school schedule
D. The pressure from teachers
A student council plans to increase attendance at school events, but past events have had low turnout. Surveys show that many students do not know when events are happening. What is the best solution to the problem?
A. Cancel events with low attendance
B. Increase ticket prices to make events seem exclusive
C. Improve how events are advertised to students
D. Limit events to students who already attend
College is often described as the most important step after high school, but it is not the right choice for everyone. Some students succeed through trade programs, military service, or entering the workforce directly. Success depends on aligning choices with personal strengths and goals, not following a single path. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. College is unnecessary for most careers
B. Trade programs are better than college
C. Success can be achieved through multiple post–high school paths
D. High school students are pressured to attend college
Jamal set his alarm for 5:30 a.m., even though his first class didn’t start until 9:00. He checked the weather twice and packed an extra hoodie before leaving the house. What can be inferred about Jamal?
A. He dislikes sleeping late
B. He is preparing for something important
C. He forgot his schedule
D. He enjoys cold weather
After missing the deadline, Marcus said nothing. He slid his unfinished paper into his backpack, zipped it shut, and didn’t open it again that day. What does Marcus’s action most likely represent?
A. A plan to revise the paper later
B. A lack of interest in the assignment
C. Avoidance of responsibility or disappointment
D. Confidence in his work
A school cafeteria wants to reduce food waste. Many unopened food items are thrown away daily, even though some students still feel hungry after lunch. What is the most effective solution to this problem?
A. Reduce portion sizes for all students
B. Allow students to take extra food before disposal
C. Stop serving popular items
D. Shorten lunch periods
Standardized tests are commonly used to evaluate student performance, yet they measure a limited range of skills. Creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving are often excluded from these assessments. Because of this, test scores alone cannot fully represent a student’s abilities or potential. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Standardized tests should be eliminated
B. Test scores accurately reflect intelligence
C. Standardized tests measure only part of student ability
D. Creativity is more important than academics
After submitting her essay, Lena reread the assignment instructions and noticed a section she had overlooked. She closed her laptop and stared at the wall for several minutes before beginning her next assignment. What can be inferred about Lena?
A. She plans to rewrite the essay immediately
B. She feels frustrated or disappointed
C. She believes her essay was perfect
D. She did not understand the assignment
The debate ended without a clear winner, but the silence that followed was louder than any argument made during the discussion. What does “the silence was louder than any argument” most nearly mean?
A. The room was completely quiet
B. The audience was confused
C. The outcome was emotionally or socially uncomfortable
D. The debaters were satisfied
During a science lab, the experiment repeatedly produces unexpected results. All materials are measured correctly, and the procedure is followed exactly as written. What is the most reasonable next step?
A. Ignore the results and write the expected outcome
B. Repeat the experiment without making changes
C. Review the procedure for variables that may not be controlled
D. Assume the equipment is broken
Social media allows people to share ideas instantly with a wide audience. While this can promote connection, it can also spread misinformation quickly. Posts that trigger strong emotions often receive more attention than carefully researched content. As a result, popularity does not always equal accuracy. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Social media is harmful to communication
B. Emotional posts are more entertaining
C. Information on social media is always unreliable
D. Widely shared content is not always accurate
The principal announced a new phone policy during the assembly. By lunch, students were already whispering about ways to avoid it. What can be inferred about the students’ reaction to the new policy?
A. They fully support the policy
B. They are confused by the policy
C. They are looking for ways to challenge or ignore it
D. They believe the policy will not be enforced
College brochures stacked on her desk promised open doors, yet every page seemed to add another lock. What is suggested by the contrast between “open doors” and “another lock”?
A. College offers unlimited freedom
B. The student feels encouraged and excited
C. Opportunities feel complicated or restrictive
D. College applications are poorly designed
A student is assigned a long-term research project but waits several weeks before starting. As the deadline approaches, the student feels overwhelmed and behind schedule. What is the best problem-solving strategy for the student now?
A. Give up on completing the project
B. Focus on one small task at a time and create a plan
C. Ask for an extension without starting any work
D. Work nonstop the night before the deadline