What is a main idea of a paragraph about trees in a neighborhood?

What is a main idea of a paragraph about trees in a neighborhood?

• A. Trees grow faster in winter.
• B. Trees can be dangerous if planted near houses.
• C. Trees reduce erosion and provide shade.
• D. Trees don't affect air quality.

Answer: (C)

The main point of a paragraph about trees in a neighborhood is to convey the overall impact trees have on that setting. The option that says trees reduce erosion and provide shade captures that broad idea because it sums up the most important benefits a neighborhood gains from trees and can be supported by multiple details in the paragraph. The other statements refer to a specific detail or a potential concern (how fast trees grow in winter, being dangerous near houses) or a claim that trees don’t affect air quality, which are not the central message the paragraph is likely to convey. So this choice best expresses the central idea.

The main point of a paragraph about trees in a neighborhood is to convey the overall impact trees have on that setting. The option that says trees reduce erosion and provide shade captures that broad idea because it sums up the most important benefits a neighborhood gains from trees and can be supported by multiple details in the paragraph. The other statements refer to a specific detail or a potential concern (how fast trees grow in winter, being dangerous near houses) or a claim that trees don’t affect air quality, which are not the central message the paragraph is likely to convey. So this choice best expresses the central idea.