16Hit1600
Information and IdeasVery hardCentral idea of an argumentative text

Information and Ideas practice question

The argument for the new road is that it will save eleven minutes on the journey to the city. Nobody asks what the eleven minutes are for. If they are spent at home, the road is worth something; if they are spent, as every previous road's savings have been, on moving further from the city and commuting longer, the road has bought nothing but a longer commute.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

  1. A. Time saved by a new road is only a benefit if people do not spend it by moving further away, as they have before.Correct
  2. B. The new road will save eleven minutes.
  3. C. Roads should never be built.
  4. D. Commuters prefer longer journeys.

Answer: A. Time saved by a new road is only a benefit if people do not spend it by moving further away, as they have before.

Savings that have always been spent on longer commutes.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The new road will save eleven minutes.
The premise, not the point.
C. Roads should never be built.
Not argued.
D. Commuters prefer longer journeys.
Not claimed.

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