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Information and IdeasMediumMain idea shifting the credit

Information and Ideas practice question

The Wright brothers are remembered for the first powered flight, but their real breakthrough was control. While their rivals built ever more powerful engines, the brothers learned, by watching birds, to twist a wing's tips and so steer. An aeroplane that could fly but not turn was useless; theirs could turn.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

  1. A. The Wright brothers' key achievement was steering their aircraft, not merely getting it off the ground.Correct
  2. B. The Wright brothers built the most powerful aircraft engine of their time.
  3. C. Birds taught the Wright brothers how to build an engine.
  4. D. The first powered flight was made by the Wright brothers' rivals.

Answer: A. The Wright brothers' key achievement was steering their aircraft, not merely getting it off the ground.

The text says 'their real breakthrough was control' and ends with 'theirs could turn'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The Wright brothers built the most powerful aircraft engine of their time.
Engines were the RIVALS' focus.
C. Birds taught the Wright brothers how to build an engine.
Birds taught the brothers about steering, not engines.
D. The first powered flight was made by the Wright brothers' rivals.
The text credits the brothers with the first powered flight.

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