Main Idea Masters
Many schools are adding later start times after research showed teens perform better with more sleep.
What is the main idea?
A. Teens dislike waking up early.
B. Research supports later school start times.
C. Sleep is important for everyone.
D. Schools should eliminate homework.
Correct: B
Why: It captures topic + author’s message.
Trap: C (too broad).
Claim: Reading daily improves vocabulary.
Which evidence best supports it?
A. Many students enjoy fiction.
B. Students who read daily score higher on vocabulary tests.
C. Libraries are open late.
D. Some books are difficult.
Correct: B
The theater remained half-empty despite glowing reviews.
Inference?
A. Tickets were expensive.
B. Marketing may have been weak.
C. The show was canceled.
D. Reviews were fake.
Correct: B
Answer choice says:
“Technology always harms communication.”
Trap Type?
Correct: Too Extreme
What does “benevolent” most nearly mean?
A. Kind
B. Loud
C. Careless
D. Strict
A
Electric cars were once considered impractical. However, improvements in battery life have made them more accessible to consumers.
Main idea?
A. Electric cars are expensive.
B. Consumers dislike electric vehicles.
C. Advances have increased electric car practicality.
D. Batteries are difficult to produce.
Correct: C
Trap: A (mentioned nowhere).
Claim: Exercise reduces stress.
Best evidence?
A. Gyms are crowded in January.
B. Exercise increases heart rate.
C. Participants reported lower cortisol levels after workouts.
D. Many people own sneakers
Correct: C
Trap: B (true but doesn’t prove stress reduction).
After the new policy, several employees began updating their résumés.
Inference?
A. They were promoted.
B. They felt secure.
C. They were likely considering leaving.
D. The company expanded.
Correct: C
Trap: A (opposite direction).
Passage discusses social media in schools.
Answer says:
“Technology affects global politics.”
Trap Type?
Correct: Too Broad
Choose the word closest to “reluctant.”
A. Eager
B. Hesitant
C. Angry
D. Confident
B
Although critics argue remote work reduces collaboration, studies indicate employees report higher productivity and job satisfaction when working from home.
Main idea?
A. Remote work eliminates teamwork.
B. Critics dislike remote work policies.
C. Remote work has benefits despite criticism.
D. Productivity is declining nationwide.
Correct: C
Trap: A (too extreme).
Passage:
Spending time outdoors improves focus. In one study, students who studied outside performed better on attention tests.
Q1: What claim is made?
A. Outdoor studying is distracting.
B. Nature improves focus.
C. Students dislike classrooms.
D. Tests are unfair.
Correct: B
The scientist hesitated before publishing her findings, double-checking every calculation.
Inference?
A. She lacked intelligence.
B. She feared criticism.
C. She was careful about accuracy.
D. The findings were false.
Correct: C
Trap: B (possible but not supported).
Passage says students improved test scores by 5%.
Answer says:
“Students improved by 5% in math.”
Trap Type?
Correct: Too Narrow
Which word has a negative connotation?
A. Assertive
B. Confident
C. Arrogant
D. Determined
Correct: C
BONUS
Q2: Best supporting evidence?
A. “Spending time outdoors improves focus.”
B. “Students who studied outside performed better…”
C. “One study…”
D. “Attention tests.”
Correct: B
Trap: A repeats claim, doesn’t prove it.