16Hit1600
Information and IdeasMediumMain idea of a passage on a translation choice

Information and Ideas practice question

The translator kept the novel's long sentences rather than breaking them up, as earlier translators had done. The result is harder to read at first, but it preserves the breathless, tumbling quality that the author's readers in her own language have always prized.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

  1. A. By keeping the long sentences, the translator sacrificed some ease of reading to preserve a quality central to the original.Correct
  2. B. Earlier translators produced better versions of the novel.
  3. C. The novel's sentences are short and simple.
  4. D. The translator made the novel easier to read.

Answer: A. By keeping the long sentences, the translator sacrificed some ease of reading to preserve a quality central to the original.

Harder at first, but true to the original.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Earlier translators produced better versions of the novel.
The text favours the new approach.
C. The novel's sentences are short and simple.
The sentences are long.
D. The translator made the novel easier to read.
The new version is harder to read at first.

More Information and Ideas questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.