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Information and IdeasMediumMain idea about a custom's practical origin

Information and Ideas practice question

The fishing village's houses are all painted in different colours, which visitors take for cheerfulness. The custom began at sea: a crew coming home in fog could pick out its own house, and so the harbour entrance, by colour alone.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

  1. A. The houses' colours, which look decorative, began as a navigational aid for returning boats.Correct
  2. B. The houses were painted to attract visitors.
  3. C. The village has no harbour.
  4. D. Fog is rare in the village.

Answer: A. The houses' colours, which look decorative, began as a navigational aid for returning boats.

Looks cheerful; began as a way home in fog.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The houses were painted to attract visitors.
Visitors are only the ones who misread it.
C. The village has no harbour.
The harbour entrance is mentioned.
D. Fog is rare in the village.
Fog is the reason for the custom.

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