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Information and IdeasEasyMain idea about a lighthouse keeper's routine

Information and Ideas practice question

For thirty-one years, the keeper of the Skerry light climbed the tower's 142 steps twice a night: once at dusk to light the lamp and once at dawn to put it out. He missed only four nights, all during the winter of 1963, when he was ill.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

  1. A. The keeper carried out his nightly duty with remarkable consistency over three decades.Correct
  2. B. The tower had 142 steps.
  3. C. The keeper was ill for most of 1963.
  4. D. The lamp was lit at dawn.

Answer: A. The keeper carried out his nightly duty with remarkable consistency over three decades.

Thirty-one years, twice a night, four nights missed: consistency is the point.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The tower had 142 steps.
A detail, not the idea.
C. The keeper was ill for most of 1963.
He missed four nights in one winter, not most of a year.
D. The lamp was lit at dawn.
The lamp was lit at dusk and put out at dawn.

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