Ten Steps Main Ideas Test

 

Find the correct topic and the main idea of each passage.

 

Passage One:  Some wedding customs of other items and cultures were notably dramatic.  For example, in ancient Rome, grooms carried their brides over the threshold.   Before they did, however, they smeared the doorposts with fat and wrapped them in wool to banish evil spirits.  In old Mexico, bridal couples shaved their heads to show that they had set aside childish ideas and welcomed the responsibilities of marriage.  And, in 18th-century England, the groom’s mother broke a loaf of bred over the bride’s head as the bride entered her new home.  This, they believed, ensured future happiness for the married couple.

 

1.      Topic

 

  1. Other Cultures
  2. Customs in Old Mexico and 18th-Century England
  3. Our Own Wedding Customs
  4. Wedding Customs of Other Times and Cultures 

 

2.      Main Idea

 

A.     Our own wedding customs are colorful.

B.     Customs of old Mexico and 18th-century England were dramatic.

C.     Some wedding customs of other times and cultures were quite dramatic.

D.     Other cultures and other times had some unusually dramatic customs.

 

Passage Two:  Smoking has been proven dangerous to people’s health, yet many continue to smoke for various reasons.  For young people, smoking often represents maturity and individuality.  Many smoke as a way to reduce tension.  In addition, the regular smoker becomes addicted psychologically and physically to the nicotine in cigarettes.

 

3.      Topic

 

A.     Health                    C.  Addiction

B.     Smoking                 D.  Nicotine

 

4.      Main Idea

 

A.     Smoking has been proven dangerous to people’s health in various ways.

B.     Regular smokers become addicted to nicotine.

C.     Although smoking is dangerous, people continue doing it for various reasons.

D.     Nicotine is what smokers become addicted to, both psychologically and physically.

 

Passage Three:  Five years after his earthquake experience, one main claims that even the rocking of a boat is fearful for him.  A young woman who survived an earthquake several years ago says that every loud noise she hears now makes her dive for cover.  And another person who experienced an earthquake tells how he always plans an escape route every time he enters a building.  Apparently, experiencing an earthquake can affect a person’s sense of security for a long time.

 

5.      Topic

 

A.     A Sense of Security                        C.  Experiencing an Earthquake

B.     Frightening Experiences                  D.  Loud Noises

 

6.      Main Idea

 

A.     Experiencing an earthquake can affect one’s sense of security for a long time.

B.     Frightening experiences of all types can influence people long after the events have occurred.

C.     Loud noises make one person who experienced an earthquake dive for cover.

D.     There are various types of frightening experiences, including earthquakes.

 

Passage Four:  Small talk is a useful way to find out what interests we share with the other person.  It serves other purposes as well.  It provides a way to “audition” the other person—to help us decide whether a relationship is worth pursuing.  Small talk is a safe way to ease into a relationship.  Finally, small talk does provide some kind of link to others; it’s often better than being alone.

 

7.      Topic

 

A.     Auditioning Others              C.  Relationships

B.     Small Talk                                      D.  Conversations

 

8.      Main Idea

 

A.     Small talk is a safe way to ease into a relationships.

B.     Very few people enjoy being alone.

C.     Small talk serves a number of purposes.

D.     Small talk is often considered unimportant.