16Hit1600
Information and IdeasEasyMain idea of a passage

Information and Ideas practice question

Honey does not spoil. Sealed jars of it recovered from Egyptian tombs, more than three thousand years old, were found to be still edible. Its very low water content and its natural acidity make it an environment in which bacteria and moulds cannot survive.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

  1. A. Honey's chemical properties let it remain edible almost indefinitely.Correct
  2. B. Ancient Egyptians preferred honey to other sweeteners.
  3. C. Most foods found in tombs are still safe to eat.
  4. D. Bacteria and moulds thrive in honey.

Answer: A. Honey's chemical properties let it remain edible almost indefinitely.

The first sentence states the claim, the tomb jars are the evidence, and the last sentence gives the reason — low water and acidity. Together they say honey lasts because of what it's made of.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Ancient Egyptians preferred honey to other sweeteners.
Egyptian preferences aren't discussed; the tombs are mentioned only as evidence of age.
C. Most foods found in tombs are still safe to eat.
The text makes a claim about honey specifically, not about tomb foods in general.
D. Bacteria and moulds thrive in honey.
The text says the opposite: bacteria and moulds 'cannot survive' in honey.

More Information and Ideas questions

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