Friday Main Idea

Going to the movies has become a weekend activity that many people pay large amounts of money to do. Movies are pricey these days, but the medium never fails to draw crowds. And while some movies have excellent plots, characterization and cinematography, others are simply horrible in just about every way. Yet once in a while, a film will appear on the big screen that will earn itself a rightful place in history as a magnificent film, one that touches the lives of people. And really, isn't that all people are really looking for as they trek out to the show, weekend after weekend? A brief glimpse into a life where people express what the moviegoer is also feeling? It must be, otherwise people would spare their wallets and stay home. What's the main idea?

• A. People are willing to pay high prices for movies on the weekends in order to experience camaraderie with others.

• B. Movies are pricey these days, but the medium never fails to draw crowds.

At one time or another, most adults have been in a romantic relationship. A guy walks up to a girl at a bar, gets her number, and the beginning of a relationship is formed. A guy and a girl meet in Physics class, get paired as study partners, and the rest is history. Two high school sweethearts rekindle an old flame on Facebook after years apart. These types of simple encounters may lead to relationships, and even though that first meeting is easy, the entire relationship is not. A lot of work goes into making a true bonded relationship, and when that work is bypassed, the relationship may not last. What's the main idea?

• A. At one time or another, most adults have been in a romantic relationship.

• B. Getting into a relationship is easy, but staying in one is not.

Almost everyone would agree that cleaning up the environment and keeping it that way is a good thing. The obvious negative impacts on human health and the ecosystems on Earth are well understood. Yet, there are underlying consequences to compliance to this most basic need that need to be studied, as well. The government of the U.S. has requested voluntary action from citizens and industry, and it has also legislated action in order to start the clean-up process. An example of this is the Clean Air Act. The good news is that this law requires that emissions into the air meet certain standards that will help clean up the environment. Under this act, cars have to reduce emissions of nitrous oxides by 60%, and "clean coal" technologies have to reduce harmful emissions by 20%. Industry is required to reduce emissions of over 200 compounds that are known to cause health problems. The bad news is the cost of compliance. Estimates of consumer costs for a cleaner environment go as high as $50 billion a year, and that study does not even take into account the loss of jobs from reshaping industries to meet the new standards. What is the main idea?

• A. Industries in nations across the United States need to unite to maintain the standards created by the Clean Air Act despite the costs to the country.

• B. Industries are doing their part to reduce emissions that are known to have ill effects on the environment and human health.

• C. Although legislation that supports cleaning up the environment is a good idea, the costs of such efforts need to be evaluated.

• D. Cleaning up the environment is best accomplished through both legislation like the Clean Air Act and volunteerism from humans impacted by emissions.

Recently, a $114 million bond was approved which will be used in the upcoming year to renovate existing schools and build new schools in the North Point school district. Additions will also be built onto the three high schools, three new elementary schools will be built, and a Career Center will also be constructed for high school students on the campus of North Point Community College. In addition, technology in the district will be brought up to date, teacher's will receive bonuses denied last year, and two new vice principals will be hired for Smithson Middle School and Harry P. Shulte Middle School. What is the main idea?

• A. North Point School District is going to be going through major changes in the upcoming year.

• B. North Point School District has received bond money to build new schools and update technology in the upcoming year.

• C. North Point School District is going to be going through changes which will take place in the spring of next year.

• D. North Point School District has received bond money which will be used to upgrade the entire school district in many ways this upcoming year.

Legends make children dream of princesses riding bare back through fields of fragrant heather. They immortalize noble knights, champions for humanity, who fought tyranny as they raced through a village with sword brandished and banner waving in the afternoon breeze. Legends awaken imagination in the young and spur creativity in the old. The famous and trustworthy story of King Arthur is one of those great legends made famous through repeated telling. According to the stories about King Arthur, he was a man of valor, integrity, and honor in the face of challengers and opposition. He strove to lead all of England down the path of goodness and prosperity without any foolish moves or attacks of cowardice. He supposedly did all of these wonderful things, but as it seems, not one person knows how this legend came to be, and some even debate that he was once alive. What is the main idea?

• A. King Arthur's legends have been inspirational for both the old and the young.

• B. Legends, like that of King Arthur, can be inspirational despite their muddled beginnings or deficient proof.

• C. Legends can inspire both the young and the old.

• D. Legends, like that of King Arthur, are inspirational to those who want to believe in fairy tales.

On his way home from the party, Jason realized he was lost. He had been circling the same street for 40 minutes. He had left the directions at the party and did not have a map. He was hoping to see a familiar landmark so he could figure out where he is. What is the main idea?

• A. Jason went to a party.

• B. Jason was lost.

• C. Jason did not have a map.

• D. Jason was on his way home.

Janie’s dog wasn’t feeling well today. He did not want to go out for his walk and did not eat his food. She threw his toy across the yard hoping he would run to fetch it, but he just sat there. What is the main idea?

• A. The dog doesn’t want to play.

• B. The dog isn’t hungry

• C. The dog is sick.

• D. The dog lives in the yard.

Blair and Natalie are not speaking to each other today. It was weird sitting at their table during lunch while they were glaring at each other. I hope they make up soon; we are three best friends and I don’t want to choose sides. What is the main idea?

• A. Blair and Natalie had a fight.

• B. I ate lunch alone.

• C. I didn’t do my homework.

• D. Blair is glaring at Natalie.

Julio decided to stay up and watch television instead of studying for his History exam. Today, when it was time to take the test, he looked at the paper and could not answer any of the questions. He swore that from this day forward he would always study for tests. What is the main idea?

• A. Julio did not study for his history exam.

• B. Julio had an exam.

• C. Julio likes to watch TV.

• D. Julio doesn’t like History.

“If you want something done, give it to a busy person.” Initially that advice sounds strange, but people with energy and ambition often get things done. Throughout time, it has been proven that people with ambition accomplish things that others thought were impossible. Whether a person wants to set a world record or rise to the top, ambition is the one quality that is most needed. What is the main idea?

• A. The ways in which ambition affects social life.

• B. The negative effects of ambition.

• C. How to have ambition.

• D. The value of ambition.