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Information and IdeasMediumMain idea about a name born of mockery

Information and Ideas practice question

The phrase 'Big Bang' was coined by an astronomer who disliked the theory it describes and meant the words as mockery. The name stuck, the theory prevailed, and the joke became the standard term — a fate its author lived long enough to see.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

  1. A. The theory's standard name began as a critic's mockery and outlived his objection to it.Correct
  2. B. The astronomer who named the theory went on to prove it.
  3. C. The Big Bang theory was eventually rejected.
  4. D. The name was chosen because it described the theory accurately.

Answer: A. The theory's standard name began as a critic's mockery and outlived his objection to it.

Coined in mockery, kept as the standard term, witnessed by the mocker — choice A gathers the whole.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The astronomer who named the theory went on to prove it.
The astronomer disliked the theory; nothing says he proved it.
C. The Big Bang theory was eventually rejected.
'The theory prevailed.'
D. The name was chosen because it described the theory accurately.
The name was meant as a joke, not a description.

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