- Which sentence best states the main claim of the passage?
Answer: The aurora borealis is a natural light display caused by the interaction between charged particles from the sun and gases in Earth's upper atmosphere.
When you encounter a question asking for the "main claim" of a passage, you need to identify the central argument or primary point the author is making—not just a supporting detail or background information.
The correct answer is C because it captures the passage's core explanation of what causes the aurora borealis. The author moves from describing the phenomenon as mysterious (sentences 1-2) to explaining the complete scientific process: solar particles interact with atmospheric gases to create the light display. This encompasses the full causal relationship the passage establishes.
Answer A focuses only on the final step—how different colors are produced—which is a supporting detail rather than the main claim. The passage mentions colors but doesn't explain which specific gases create which colors.
Answer B overemphasizes the magnetic field's protective role, which isn't the passage's focus. While the magnetic field is mentioned, it's described as guiding particles toward polar regions, not primarily as protection.
Answer D concentrates on the historical mystery aspect, which only appears in the opening sentences. The passage quickly moves past this to focus on the scientific explanation, making this too narrow to be the main claim.
Remember that main claim questions test whether you can distinguish between the central argument and supporting details. Look for the answer that captures the author's primary purpose for writing the passage. Often, the main claim emerges most clearly in the middle or end of the passage, after background information is established.
- Which sentence best states the main claim of the passage?
Answer: Gaudí's architectural genius lay in his ability to combine imaginative, nature-based aesthetics with sophisticated and innovative engineering principles.
When you encounter a question asking for the "main claim" of a passage, you need to identify the central argument that ties all the details together, not just focus on specific examples or supporting points.
This passage presents a clear structure: it introduces Gaudí's fantastical architecture, acknowledges how unconventional it appears, then reveals the key insight with "However" in sentence 3 — that sophisticated engineering underlies the whimsical appearance. The remaining sentences provide specific evidence (catenary arches, scale models) to support this central claim.
Choice C captures this main argument perfectly by highlighting both sides of Gaudí's genius: his "imaginative, nature-based aesthetics" AND his "sophisticated and innovative engineering principles." This dual focus reflects the passage's core message about the harmony between artistic vision and technical mastery.
Choice A is too general and misses the engineering aspect entirely — it could describe any creative architect. Choice B focuses too narrowly on specific buildings and treats them as the main point rather than examples supporting a broader claim. Choice D zeroes in on catenary arches specifically, but this is just one piece of evidence supporting the larger argument, not the main claim itself.
Remember that main claim questions test your ability to distinguish between the central argument and its supporting details. Look for the sentence that introduces the key insight (often signaled by transition words like "however" or "but"), then find the answer choice that encompasses the full scope of that insight rather than just part of it.
- Which sentence should be added after sentence 1 to introduce the main claim of the passage?
Answer: In reality, sleep is a complex and dynamic process composed of several stages, each with a unique purpose for mental and physical health.
This question tests your ability to identify how an author develops their main argument through logical transitions. When you see a question asking what sentence should be added to "introduce the main claim," look for the option that directly contradicts or expands upon what came before while setting up what follows.
The passage begins by stating what "many people believe" about sleep being uniform, then uses "However" in sentence 2 to signal a shift. The correct transition sentence should bridge this gap by clearly stating the opposing view that will be developed throughout the rest of the passage.
Option B works perfectly because it directly contradicts the misconception in sentence 1 by stating that sleep is actually "complex and dynamic" rather than "single" and "uniform." The phrase "In reality" creates a smooth transition from the common belief to the scientific truth, and the mention of "several stages, each with a unique purpose" sets up the detailed explanation that follows in sentences 3-5.
Option A focuses on sleep duration and general benefits, which doesn't address the complexity versus uniformity debate. Option C jumps straight to claiming REM is "most important," which contradicts the passage's balanced treatment of all stages. Option D discusses research methods rather than the main claim about sleep's complexity.
Remember: transition sentences should create logical bridges between ideas. Look for options that directly address the contrast being established and preview the specific points that will be developed later in the passage.
- Which sentence best states the main idea of the passage?
Answer: Flow state is a widely accessible psychological state of deep, rewarding immersion that occurs when a person's skills are well-matched to a challenging task.
When you encounter a main idea question, you need to identify the central point that encompasses the entire passage, not just supporting details or specific aspects.
Answer choice A correctly captures the main idea because it synthesizes all the key elements the passage presents: flow state is "widely accessible" (contradicting the opening misconception), it's a "psychological state" (referencing Csikszentmihalyi's concept), involves "deep, rewarding immersion" (matching the characteristics described), and occurs when "skills are well-matched to a challenging task" (the core condition for flow). This choice reflects the passage's overall message that flow is both scientifically defined and universally attainable.
Choice B focuses only on the historical origin of the term, which is merely supporting information in sentence 3, not the main point. Choice C actually contradicts the passage's argument—the author specifically challenges the misconception that flow is "most common" in creative and athletic pursuits, emphasizing instead that it's accessible to everyone in various activities. Choice D lists specific characteristics of flow state but misses the broader message about accessibility and the skill-challenge balance that defines the concept.
On SHSAT reading questions, main idea answers typically synthesize multiple elements from throughout the passage rather than focusing on single details. Look for choices that capture both the "what" and the "why" of the author's message, and be wary of answers that contradict the passage's central argument, even if they mention accurate details.
- Which sentence best states the main idea of the passage?
Answer: More than a simple beverage service, the Japanese tea ceremony is a comprehensive spiritual and aesthetic practice centered on core philosophical principles.
When you encounter a main idea question, you need to identify the sentence or option that captures the passage's central point while being broad enough to encompass all the supporting details.
Looking at this passage, the author begins by stating that the tea ceremony is "far more than simply a way of preparing and drinking tea" and then elaborates on its spiritual nature, aesthetic elements, and underlying principles. The entire passage builds the case that chanoyu is a comprehensive practice involving multiple dimensions beyond just making tea.
Answer A correctly captures this main idea by emphasizing that the ceremony transcends "simple beverage service" and encompasses both "spiritual and aesthetic practice centered on core philosophical principles." This matches the passage's progression from the opening claim through the discussion of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.
Answer B focuses only on the physical elements (tea room design and utensils) mentioned in sentence 3, making it too narrow to represent the main idea. Answer C reduces the ceremony to just a "traditional ritual" for preparing tea, which contradicts the passage's central argument that it's much more than tea preparation. Answer D zeroes in solely on the host's movements from sentence 4, again too specific to capture the overall message.
For main idea questions on the SHSAT, look for the answer that's broad enough to cover all the passage's key points while avoiding options that focus on just one supporting detail. The main idea should reflect the author's primary purpose for writing the entire passage.
- Which sentence best states the main claim of the passage?
Answer: The modern bicycle evolved from early, impractical designs through a series of crucial technological improvements that enhanced its safety and efficiency.
When you encounter a main claim question, you need to identify the passage's central argument—the overarching point that ties all the details together. Look for the statement that captures the passage's complete message, not just a supporting detail.
This passage follows a clear structure: it starts with problems (early bicycles were "cumbersome and inefficient"), introduces a turning point ("series of key innovations"), provides specific examples of improvements (chain-driven wheel, pneumatic tires, brakes), and concludes with the result (modern bicycle form). The main claim encompasses this entire progression.
Choice A correctly captures the passage's complete argument—that bicycles evolved from impractical early designs through technological improvements that made them safer and more efficient. This mirrors the passage's structure and includes all key elements: the problematic starting point, the process of innovation, and the improved outcome.
Choice B is too narrow, focusing only on pneumatic tires when the passage discusses multiple innovations as equally important. Choice C zeroes in on just the high-wheel bicycle, which is merely one example of early problems, not the main point. Choice D is too broad and vague—while the passage does discuss late 19th-century innovation, it's specifically about bicycle development, not general transportation or innovation trends.
Remember: main claim questions test whether you can distinguish the forest from the trees. The correct answer will capture the passage's complete message, while wrong answers typically focus on supporting details or are too broad to reflect the passage's specific focus.
- Which sentence best states the main idea of the passage?
Answer: Despite being a remarkable technological achievement, the Concorde was ultimately grounded by a combination of prohibitive costs, operational limitations, and safety issues.
When you encounter a main idea question, you need to identify the passage's central message—the overarching point that ties all the details together. Look for a statement that captures both the positive and negative aspects presented, rather than focusing on just one element.
This passage follows a balanced structure: it opens by acknowledging the Concorde's impressive technological capabilities, then shifts to explaining why it ultimately failed. The main idea must encompass both sides of this story. Choice B perfectly captures this balance by recognizing the Concorde as "a remarkable technological achievement" while explaining that it was "ultimately grounded by a combination of prohibitive costs, operational limitations, and safety issues." This matches the passage's progression from technological marvel to commercial failure.
Choice A is too narrow because it suggests the 2000 crash was the "primary" cause of retirement, when the passage clearly states the crash was just one factor among "economic and environmental factors." Choice C only focuses on the positive aspects and ignores the extensive discussion of problems that led to retirement. Choice D zeroes in on just one issue—sonic boom—when the passage presents multiple challenges including costs, fuel consumption, and safety concerns.
The key strategy for main idea questions is to avoid answers that focus on supporting details rather than the big picture. Look for the choice that would make sense as a topic sentence for the entire passage and accounts for all major points discussed, not just the most dramatic or memorable details.
- Which sentence should be added after sentence 5 to best conclude the paragraph and state its main claim?
Answer: Braille's innovative system, born from personal experience and creative insight, revolutionized literacy for the visually impaired worldwide.
When you encounter questions about concluding sentences, you need to identify what would best wrap up the paragraph's main idea and purpose. This paragraph traces the development of the Braille system from problem to solution, so the conclusion should capture the overall significance of this achievement.
Choice A works perfectly because it synthesizes the key elements: Braille's personal experience with blindness, his creative problem-solving (using the military code as inspiration), and the transformative impact his system had globally. This sentence captures both the "how" and the "why it matters" that the paragraph has been building toward. It connects Braille's individual story to the broader historical significance.
Choice B shifts focus away from Braille himself to provide background information about Charles Barbier and Napoleon's army. While this relates to the military code mentioned in sentence 4, it's additional detail rather than a conclusion about Braille's achievement.
Choice C offers technical information about the versatility of the six-dot system. Though this supports the claim that it was "efficient and versatile," it's more of a supporting detail than a concluding statement about the overall impact.
Choice D introduces a negative aspect—delayed official adoption—that undermines the paragraph's positive trajectory. A strong conclusion should reinforce the main message, not introduce complications or setbacks.
For conclusion questions, look for answer choices that synthesize the paragraph's key points and emphasize significance rather than adding new details or contradictory information.
- Which sentence best states the main claim of the passage?
Answer: Modern technology, from multispectral imaging to digital archiving, is providing powerful new tools to preserve and decipher ancient manuscripts.
When you encounter a question asking for the "main claim" of a passage, you need to identify the central argument that ties all the details together. Look for the overarching point that the author is making, not just supporting details or examples.
This passage follows a clear structure: it introduces a problem (manuscript decay), then presents a solution (modern technology), and explains how various technological tools address the problem. The main claim encompasses this entire argument about how technology is revolutionizing manuscript preservation.
Answer D correctly captures this main claim by identifying both the problem and the comprehensive technological solution. It mentions "modern technology" as an umbrella term and specifically names the key tools discussed: "multispectral imaging" and "digital archiving." This answer reflects the passage's focus on how multiple technological approaches are working together to preserve ancient texts.
Answer A is too general and focuses only on the importance of preservation without mentioning the technological solutions that form the passage's core argument. Answer B introduces an idea not discussed in the passage—the specific skill combinations of conservators—and misses the technology focus entirely. Answer C is too narrow, claiming digital archiving is the "most effective" method when the passage presents multiple complementary technologies without ranking their effectiveness.
Strategy tip: For main claim questions on the SHSAT, eliminate answers that are either too broad (missing key specifics) or too narrow (focusing on just one detail). The correct answer should capture the passage's primary argument while including its most important elements.
- Which sentence best states the main claim of the passage?
Answer: The decline of honeybee populations is a serious environmental issue caused by a combination of factors including pesticides, habitat loss, and parasites.
When you encounter a main claim question, you need to identify the central argument that the entire passage supports, not just a detail or consequence mentioned within it.
The correct answer is B because it captures the passage's complete central argument. The text establishes that honeybee decline is happening (sentence 1), explains it has multiple causes (sentence 2), then systematically lists three specific factors: pesticides (sentence 3), habitat loss (sentence 4), and parasites (sentence 5). Finally, it emphasizes the seriousness through consequences (sentence 6). Answer B synthesizes all these elements into the main claim.
Now let's examine why the other choices miss the mark. Choice A suggests colony collapse disorder is "mysterious" and that scientists are "struggling to understand" it, but the passage actually provides clear, well-understood causes. Choice C identifies pesticides as "the single most significant threat," but the passage explicitly states the problem has "multiple complex causes" and gives equal weight to habitat loss and parasites. Choice D focuses on the consequences of bee decline rather than the main claim about what's causing the decline itself.
Remember that main claim questions test your ability to distinguish between the central argument and supporting details or consequences. The main claim is what the author is trying to prove, while details provide evidence and consequences show why it matters. Always look for the answer that encompasses the broadest scope of the passage's argument rather than zeroing in on specific examples or outcomes.
- Which sentence best introduces the main idea of the passage?
Answer: The concept of "food deserts," or areas with limited access to affordable and nutritious food, poses a significant public health challenge.
When you encounter questions about introducing main ideas, you need to identify what the entire passage is fundamentally about, not just supporting details or tangential concepts.
This passage describes a specific phenomenon: neighborhoods that lack access to fresh, healthy food options. The text systematically explains how some areas only have fast-food restaurants and convenience stores instead of supermarkets, leading to health problems, with transportation barriers compounding the issue. The passage is essentially defining and explaining the consequences of what experts call "food deserts."
Choice B correctly captures this central concept by introducing "food deserts" as areas with limited access to affordable, nutritious food, and framing this as a public health challenge. This umbrella term encompasses all the specific details mentioned in the passage.
Choice A is too broad and general. While the passage mentions processed foods, it's specifically about geographic access limitations, not society-wide dietary struggles or nutritional education issues. Choice C focuses too narrowly on transportation, which is only mentioned in sentence 4 as one contributing factor, not the main idea. Choice D discusses solutions like community gardens and farmers' markets, but the passage doesn't mention any solutions at all—it only describes the problem.
For main idea questions on the SHSAT, look for the answer choice that serves as an umbrella covering all the passage's key points. Avoid choices that are too specific (focusing on just one detail) or too broad (going beyond the passage's scope). The correct introduction should make a reader think, "Yes, this passage will explain that concept."
- Which sentence best states the main claim of the passage?
Answer: The rapid disappearance of indigenous languages represents an irreversible loss of unique cultural knowledge and human heritage.
When you encounter a question asking for the "main claim" of a passage, you're looking for the central argument or thesis that ties all the details together—not just a supporting detail or implication.
The passage opens with a striking statistic about language disappearance, then systematically builds the case that this represents a profound cultural loss. Sentence 2 establishes that languages contain more than just words, while sentences 3 and 4 provide specific examples of what's at stake: unique worldviews, specialized knowledge, oral histories, and cultural practices. This structure leads directly to answer choice D, which captures both the scope of the problem ("rapid disappearance") and its significance ("irreversible loss of unique cultural knowledge and human heritage").
Answer choice A focuses only on vocabulary and grammar reflecting environment, which is too narrow—the passage emphasizes cultural knowledge and heritage more broadly. Choice B suggests linguists are actively documenting languages, but the passage never mentions documentation efforts; it only presents the problem, not solutions. Choice C identifies a cause for language death (dominance of major languages), but the passage doesn't actually discuss causes—it focuses entirely on what's being lost when languages disappear.
The wrong answers represent common traps: confusing supporting details (A), inferring information not stated (B), or focusing on implied causes rather than stated effects (C). When identifying main claims, stick to what the passage explicitly argues rather than what you might reasonably assume or infer from the topic.
- Which sentence best states the main idea of the passage?
Answer: Alexander Fleming's accidental discovery of the antibacterial properties of Penicillium mold was the foundational moment for the development of antibiotics.
When you encounter main idea questions, focus on identifying what the entire passage is fundamentally about, not just supporting details or broader implications that extend beyond the text.
This passage centers on Fleming's specific discovery process: he returned from vacation, noticed contaminated bacteria around mold, identified it as Penicillium, and hypothesized its antibacterial properties. The final sentence emphasizes this observation's transformative impact on medicine. Answer C captures this complete narrative arc—the accidental discovery that became the foundation for antibiotic development.
Let's examine why the other choices miss the mark. Answer A makes a broad claim about scientific breakthroughs and serendipity that goes beyond this passage's scope—while Fleming's discovery was accidental, the passage doesn't discuss other chance discoveries or make general statements about scientific methodology. Answer B completely misinterprets the passage by suggesting it's about laboratory hygiene problems, when the contamination actually led to a beneficial discovery. Answer D focuses narrowly on one detail (the mold's bacteria-killing ability) rather than the broader significance of Fleming's discovery process and its historical importance.
The key strategy for main idea questions is to ask yourself: "What is this passage primarily trying to tell me?" Look for the thread that connects all sentences together. Details like the clear ring around the mold or the specific mold species support the main idea but aren't the main idea themselves. The main idea should encompass the passage's beginning, middle, and end while capturing its essential purpose.
- Which sentence best states the main idea of the passage?
Answer: By providing critical environmental, economic, and climate-related benefits, mangrove forests are an invaluable global resource.
When identifying the main idea of a passage, you need to find the statement that captures the passage's overall purpose rather than focusing on just one specific detail or benefit mentioned.
This passage presents mangrove forests as multifaceted ecosystems that provide various types of benefits. The author systematically outlines three major categories: environmental protection (storm barriers and erosion control), economic support (marine biodiversity and fishing industries), and climate benefits (carbon storage). The structure moves from specific functions to broader global significance.
Answer D correctly captures this comprehensive scope by acknowledging that mangroves provide "critical environmental, economic, and climate-related benefits," making them "an invaluable global resource." This umbrella statement encompasses all the specific benefits mentioned while emphasizing their collective importance.
Answer A focuses solely on the physical characteristics of mangrove roots without addressing their functions or importance. While roots are mentioned, they're not the passage's central focus—their benefits are.
Answer B incorrectly identifies storm protection as the "most important function." The passage presents multiple benefits as equally significant rather than ranking them in importance.
Answer C narrows the focus to only carbon storage capabilities. While this is mentioned as making mangroves "critical in the fight against climate change," it's just one of several benefits discussed, not the overarching main idea.
For main idea questions, look for answer choices that synthesize multiple supporting details rather than highlighting just one aspect. The correct answer should feel like an umbrella that covers everything discussed in the passage.
- Which sentence best states the main claim of the passage?
Answer: The reintroduction of a single keystone species, the gray wolf, triggered a series of positive changes that restored the ecological health of Yellowstone.
When you encounter a main claim question, you need to identify the passage's central argument—the overarching point that all the supporting details work together to prove.
This passage follows a clear cause-and-effect structure, showing how wolf reintroduction created a chain reaction of ecological improvements. The key evidence spans the entire passage: wolves reduced elk populations (sentence 3), which allowed vegetation recovery (sentence 4), which then stabilized riverbanks, attracted songbirds, and helped beavers (sentence 5). The final sentence explicitly states this was a "cascading effect on the entire ecosystem."
Choice B captures this complete picture by identifying wolves as a "keystone species" whose reintroduction "triggered a series of positive changes that restored ecological health." This encompasses all the evidence presented.
Choice A introduces "controversial," which isn't mentioned in the passage—this is a detail trap that adds information not provided. Choice C focuses only on elk reduction, but this misses the main point by treating a supporting detail as the central claim. The passage uses elk reduction to explain the larger ecological restoration. Choice D lists some benefiting species but fails to identify the wolves as the catalyst—it's describing effects without acknowledging the cause that drives the entire argument.
For main claim questions, look for the answer that connects all the passage's evidence under one umbrella concept. Avoid choices that focus on just one supporting detail or add information not in the text. The main claim should explain why all the other information matters.
- Which sentence should follow sentence 2 to introduce the main claim of the passage?
Answer: From navigation to social media and commerce, these powerful computational tools shape our choices and experiences in countless ways.
When you encounter questions about paragraph organization and flow, focus on how sentences connect logically and support the passage's main purpose. The key is identifying what role each sentence plays in developing the author's central argument.
After sentence 2 states that algorithms' "influence is woven into the fabric of our daily lives," the passage needs a sentence that introduces its main claim before diving into specific examples. Looking at sentences 3-5, you can see they all provide concrete examples of algorithmic influence: navigation apps, social media feeds, product suggestions, and fraud detection. This pattern reveals that the passage's main claim is about algorithms' widespread impact on our daily experiences.
Choice C perfectly bridges sentence 2 and the examples that follow. It introduces the main claim that algorithms "shape our choices and experiences in countless ways" while previewing the specific areas (navigation, social media, commerce) that the subsequent sentences will explore. This creates smooth, logical flow.
Choice A shifts focus to technological achievement rather than daily impact, which doesn't align with the passage's direction. Choice B introduces ethical concerns and bias, topics that never appear in the remaining sentences. Choice D discusses coding skills and workforce preparation, which also has no connection to the examples that follow.
For paragraph organization questions, always check whether the proposed sentence logically connects what comes before and after it. The correct choice should maintain the passage's focus while smoothly transitioning between ideas, not introduce unrelated topics.
- Which sentence best states the main idea of the passage?
Answer: The modern game of chess is the product of a long historical evolution, with its rules and form changing as it spread across different cultures and continents.
When you encounter a main idea question, you need to identify the central theme that connects all the details in the passage, not just focus on specific facts or examples mentioned along the way.
This passage traces chess through its historical development across multiple cultures. The author begins with chess's origins in India as chaturanga, follows its transformation in Persia as shatranj, tracks its introduction to Europe through the Arab world, and notes its evolution into the modern form by the 15th century. The concluding sentence emphasizes how this "journey across continents and cultures transformed the game over time." Answer choice B captures this comprehensive historical evolution and cultural transformation that unifies the entire passage.
Let's examine why the other options fall short. Choice A mentions chess's Indian origins and global popularity, but it misses the crucial element of historical change and evolution that the passage emphasizes. Choice C focuses too narrowly on just one specific change—the queen piece in 15th-century Europe—which is only a detail supporting the broader theme, not the main idea itself. Choice D concentrates on the mechanism of chess's spread (trade and cultural exchange) rather than the overall story of transformation that the passage tells.
For main idea questions on the SHSAT, always look for the answer that encompasses the passage's full scope. Avoid choices that focus on single examples, specific details, or narrow aspects of a broader topic, even if those details appear prominently in the text.
- Which sentence best states the main claim of the passage?
Answer: Gutenberg's printing press was a revolutionary invention that democratized access to information and accelerated major European cultural and intellectual movements.
When you encounter a question asking for the "main claim" of a passage, you need to identify the author's central argument—the overarching point that ties all the details together, not just a supporting fact or narrow detail.
This passage follows a classic cause-and-effect structure: it presents a problem (expensive, hand-copied books limiting knowledge), introduces a solution (Gutenberg's printing press), and explains the far-reaching consequences (democratized information and cultural acceleration). The main claim encompasses this entire chain of reasoning.
Answer C captures the complete argument: Gutenberg's invention was "revolutionary" (acknowledging its transformative nature), "democratized access to information" (the immediate effect of making books affordable), and "accelerated major European cultural and intellectual movements" (the broader historical impact on the Renaissance, Reformation, and Scientific Revolution).
Answer A focuses too narrowly on Gutenberg's motivation and the technical problem he solved, missing the passage's emphasis on the broader historical consequences. Answer B identifies only the initial problem described in the passage, not the main argument about the printing press's impact. Answer D discusses the historical periods that benefited from mass production, but this reverses the passage's focus—it's about how the printing press influenced these movements, not how the movements used the technology.
For main idea questions, look for the answer choice that connects all the passage's elements into one comprehensive statement. Avoid choices that focus on just one paragraph or supporting detail, even if that detail is accurately stated.
- Which sentence should follow sentence 4 to best state the main claim of the passage?
Answer: Urban farming is emerging as a practical solution to improve food security, promote sustainability, and reconnect communities with their food.
When you encounter a question asking for the "main claim" of a passage, you need to identify the central argument that ties together all the supporting details. The main claim should encompass the passage's primary focus and connect to the evidence provided.
This passage follows a classic problem-solution structure. Sentences 1-3 establish problems with the current food system: disconnection from food sources, loss of freshness during transport, and environmental impacts. Sentence 4 introduces "a new movement" as a response, and sentence 5 provides specific examples of urban farming techniques.
Choice D is correct because it perfectly bridges the gap between the problems and solutions. It identifies "urban farming" as the movement referenced in sentence 4 and explains how it addresses all three problems mentioned earlier: improving food security (addressing freshness/nutrition), promoting sustainability (addressing environmental concerns), and reconnecting communities with their food (addressing disconnection).
Choice A focuses too narrowly on technology and "unusable spaces" rather than addressing the broader problems established in the passage. Choice B incorrectly suggests transportation distance is the "primary problem" when the passage presents multiple issues of equal importance. Choice C mentions community interest but fails to identify urban farming as the actual solution being discussed, making it too vague to serve as the main claim.
Strategy tip: For main claim questions, look for the answer that connects the problem and solution while addressing the broadest scope of issues presented. The correct choice should feel like a thesis statement that the rest of the passage supports.
- Which sentence should follow sentence 2 to best introduce the main claim of the passage?
Answer: By offering a wide range of essential services beyond just lending books, libraries remain indispensable community assets.
This question tests your ability to identify how sentences work together to build a coherent argument structure. When a passage presents a counterargument in sentence 1 and then pivots with "Yet" in sentence 2, you need to look for what comes next to establish the main claim that will be supported by the rest of the passage.
Sentence 2 states that libraries "continue to play a vital role," but this is still quite general. The sentence that follows should introduce the specific claim that the remaining sentences will prove. Looking at sentences 3-5, they all describe concrete services libraries provide: information access, community spaces, and learning programs.
Choice C perfectly bridges this gap by stating that libraries "remain indispensable community assets" specifically because they offer "essential services beyond just lending books." This directly sets up the detailed examples that follow in sentences 3-5, creating a logical flow from general claim to specific evidence.
Choice A shifts to a completely different topic about funding and politics, which isn't supported by the evidence in the passage. Choice B focuses on architecture, which is never mentioned again and doesn't connect to the services described later. Choice D emphasizes technological challenges, but the passage actually presents libraries as successfully adapting to technology rather than struggling with it.
When you encounter questions about sentence placement or paragraph organization, always trace the logical flow from the broader argument down to the specific supporting details. The missing sentence should create a clear bridge between these levels.
