16Hit1600
Information and IdeasEasy–MediumMain idea: how a snail's shell grows

Information and Ideas practice question

A snail's shell grows with the snail. The snail adds new shell at the opening, so the oldest part of the shell is the tight coil at the centre and the newest is the wide lip at the edge.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

  1. A. A snail builds its shell outward from the centre as it grows.Correct
  2. B. Snail shells are coiled.
  3. C. The lip of a snail's shell is wide.
  4. D. Snails outgrow their shells.

Answer: A. A snail builds its shell outward from the centre as it grows.

New shell at the edge, old at the centre.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Snail shells are coiled.
A detail.
C. The lip of a snail's shell is wide.
A detail.
D. Snails outgrow their shells.
The opposite: the shell grows with them.

More Information and Ideas questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.