16Hit1600
Information and IdeasMediumMain idea: a violin-maker's wood

Information and Ideas practice question

The violin-maker chooses her spruce by ear. She taps each plank and listens, rejecting most, keeping the few that ring. Wood that rings, she says, will sing; wood that thuds will only ever make a box. Buyers who ask about her varnish or her tools are politely told that the instrument was decided before either was touched.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

  1. A. The violin-maker considers the choice of wood the decisive step in making a good instrument.Correct
  2. B. Varnish is the most important part of a violin.
  3. C. The violin-maker rejects most buyers.
  4. D. Spruce is too soft for violins.

Answer: A. The violin-maker considers the choice of wood the decisive step in making a good instrument.

The instrument is decided by the wood.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Varnish is the most important part of a violin.
Varnish is dismissed.
C. The violin-maker rejects most buyers.
She rejects planks, not buyers.
D. Spruce is too soft for violins.
Spruce is what she uses.

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