Question

The ability to understand main ideas is perhaps the most important factor for good reading skills. Choose the correct rephrased sentence.

• A. One cannot develop good reading skills unless and until one develops the ability to understand main ideas.
• B. One must have the ability to understand main ideas to develop good reading skills.
• C. The ability to understand main ideas might help the person to develop good reading skills.
• D. Good reading skills are dependent solely on the ability to understand main ideas.

Hint:

Always avoid options that add extra meaning (e.g., “solely,” “even if,” “unless and until”) unless the original sentence implies it.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the meaning.
The original sentence emphasizes that understanding main ideas is the most important factor — not optional or secondary. Therefore, the correct alternative must express necessity.
Step 2: Evaluating the options.
(A) Too strong and repetitive with "unless and until," though close in meaning.
(B) Correct — It clearly states that possessing the ability is required to develop strong reading skills.
(C) Uses “might,” which weakens the meaning, contradicting “most important factor.”
(D) Adds “solely,” which overstates the idea not supported in the original.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Option (B) matches the original meaning by expressing necessity without exaggeration.