Question

Read the following paragraph and carefully determine what the main idea is for it.
There are no effective boundaries when it comes to pollutants. Studies have shown that toxic insecticides that have been banned in many countries are riding the wind from countries where they remain legal. Compounds such as DDT and toxaphene have been found in remote places like the Yukon and other Arctic regions.
This paragraph best supports the statement that

• A. toxic insecticides such as DDT have not been banned throughout the world.
• B. more pollutants find their way into polar climates than they do into warmer areas.
• C. studies have proven that many countries have ignored their own anti-pollution laws.
• D. DDT and toxaphene are the two most toxic insecticides in the world.

Hint:

The main idea of a paragraph is often supported by repeated examples and explanations—look for what all details have in common.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Identify the main idea stated at the beginning of the paragraph. “There are no effective boundaries when it comes to pollutants.”
Step 2: Notice the supporting details: Pollutants travel by wind from countries where they are legal to places where they are banned.
Step 3: The examples of DDT and toxaphene found in Arctic regions show that these insecticides are still used in some countries.
Step 4: Option (A) correctly summarizes this idea by stating that toxic insecticides are not banned everywhere in the world.
Step 5: The other options either add information not mentioned or misinterpret the paragraph.