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Information and IdeasEasyMain idea about a misnamed material

Information and Ideas practice question

Pencils contain no lead. The 'lead' is graphite mixed with clay — the more clay, the harder and fainter the pencil. The name stuck because the graphite in early pencils was mistaken for a form of lead.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

  1. A. Pencil 'lead' is really graphite and clay, and its name comes from an old mistake.Correct
  2. B. Pencils are made of a soft form of lead.
  3. C. Adding clay makes a pencil darker.
  4. D. Graphite was discovered only recently.

Answer: A. Pencil 'lead' is really graphite and clay, and its name comes from an old mistake.

The text says what the 'lead' actually is and why it kept a wrong name. Choice A covers both.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Pencils are made of a soft form of lead.
The first sentence says pencils contain no lead.
C. Adding clay makes a pencil darker.
The text says more clay makes a pencil FAINTER.
D. Graphite was discovered only recently.
The text refers to 'early pencils' using graphite; nothing suggests a recent discovery.

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