16Hit1600
Information and IdeasEasyMain idea of a description of harvesting

Information and Ideas practice question

Cork is the bark of one particular species of oak. Harvesters strip it from the trunk by hand about every nine years, and the tree, unharmed, grows a fresh layer. A single cork oak can be harvested a dozen or more times over its life.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

  1. A. Cork is harvested repeatedly from living oak trees without killing them.Correct
  2. B. Cork oaks must be cut down to obtain their bark.
  3. C. Cork is a manufactured material that imitates bark.
  4. D. A cork oak lives for about nine years.

Answer: A. Cork is harvested repeatedly from living oak trees without killing them.

Bark is stripped, the tree is unharmed, it regrows, and it can be harvested many times — the text is about repeated, non-lethal harvesting.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Cork oaks must be cut down to obtain their bark.
The text says the tree is 'unharmed' and regrows its bark.
C. Cork is a manufactured material that imitates bark.
Cork IS bark, according to the text.
D. A cork oak lives for about nine years.
Nine years is the interval between harvests, not the tree's lifespan.

More Information and Ideas questions

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