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Information and IdeasMediumMain idea distinguishing two meanings

Information and Ideas practice question

A 'blue moon' has two meanings, and neither involves colour. In the older sense it is the third full moon in a season that has four; in the newer, more common sense it is the second full moon within a single calendar month. The newer meaning began as a magazine's misreading of the older one, and it stuck.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

  1. A. 'Blue moon' has two calendar meanings, the more familiar of which arose from a mistake.Correct
  2. B. A blue moon is a moon that appears blue.
  3. C. Blue moons occur only once a century.
  4. D. The magazine's definition was the original one.

Answer: A. 'Blue moon' has two calendar meanings, the more familiar of which arose from a mistake.

Two meanings, both about calendars, with the popular one born of a misreading — choice A covers it.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. A blue moon is a moon that appears blue.
The first sentence says neither meaning involves colour.
C. Blue moons occur only once a century.
Frequency isn't discussed.
D. The magazine's definition was the original one.
The text says the magazine's sense was a misreading of the OLDER one.

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