16Hit1600
Information and IdeasHardMain idea about a tradition's practical origin

Information and Ideas practice question

The village's custom of ringing the church bell whenever a boat leaves the harbour looks like mere ceremony. It began, the older fishermen explain, as a count: one ring per boat out, one per boat in, so that the whole village knew at dusk whether anyone was still at sea.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

  1. A. A custom that now looks ceremonial began as a practical way of tracking boats at sea.Correct
  2. B. The bell is rung only at dusk.
  3. C. The custom has no known origin.
  4. D. The fishermen want the custom ended.

Answer: A. A custom that now looks ceremonial began as a practical way of tracking boats at sea.

Looks like ceremony; began as a count of boats.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The bell is rung only at dusk.
It is rung whenever a boat leaves or returns.
C. The custom has no known origin.
The fishermen explain its origin.
D. The fishermen want the custom ended.
Nothing suggests that.

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