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Information and IdeasVery hardMain idea of a passage on a dam's forecasts

Information and Ideas practice question

The case for the dam rested on a forecast that the region's population would grow by a third and that industry would take half the water. The population grew by a tenth, and the industry moved elsewhere. The reservoir has never been more than two-thirds full, and the dam that was to secure the region's future now consumes a tenth of the water board's budget in maintenance.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

  1. A. The dam was justified by forecasts that did not come true, leaving an underused structure that is costly to maintain.Correct
  2. B. The dam has secured the region's water supply.
  3. C. The region's population grew faster than expected.
  4. D. The reservoir is usually full.

Answer: A. The dam was justified by forecasts that did not come true, leaving an underused structure that is costly to maintain.

Forecasts failed; the dam is half-used and expensive.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The dam has secured the region's water supply.
It is described as an unmet promise.
C. The region's population grew faster than expected.
It grew by a tenth, not a third.
D. The reservoir is usually full.
Never more than two-thirds full.

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