16Hit1600
Information and IdeasVery hardCentral idea of a passage on a subtle distinction

Information and Ideas practice question

A tradition is not the same as a habit, though the two are easily confused. The village has rung its bells on the first of May since 1660, which is a tradition: it is done because it was done, and it means something because of that. The village has also had its market on a Thursday since the bus timetable changed in 1962, which is a habit: it is done because it is convenient, and the day it stops being convenient it will move, and nobody will mourn it.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

  1. A. A tradition is kept for its own sake and carries meaning, while a habit persists only while it is convenient.Correct
  2. B. The village should move its market.
  3. C. Bell-ringing is more useful than markets.
  4. D. Habits are older than traditions.

Answer: A. A tradition is kept for its own sake and carries meaning, while a habit persists only while it is convenient.

Done because it was done, versus done because it is convenient.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The village should move its market.
Not proposed.
C. Bell-ringing is more useful than markets.
Not claimed.
D. Habits are older than traditions.
The reverse in the example.

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