Information and IdeasMediumMain idea that overturns a label
Information and Ideas practice question
Vanilla is often called the plainest of flavours, yet it is among the most laborious to produce. Each vanilla orchid flower opens for a single day and, outside its native Mexico, must be pollinated by hand; the pods then cure for months. 'Plain vanilla' is, in truth, the product of extraordinary effort.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
- A. Vanilla's reputation for plainness hides the great effort its production requires.Correct
- B. Vanilla can be grown only in Mexico.
- C. Vanilla is the most expensive flavouring in the world.
- D. Vanilla orchid flowers remain open for months.
Answer: A. Vanilla's reputation for plainness hides the great effort its production requires.
The text opposes the label 'plain' to the labour involved, and its last sentence makes that contrast the point.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Vanilla can be grown only in Mexico.
- Outside Mexico it needs hand pollination — so it IS grown elsewhere.
- C. Vanilla is the most expensive flavouring in the world.
- Price is never mentioned.
- D. Vanilla orchid flowers remain open for months.
- The flower opens for a single day; it is the pods that cure for months.
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