Question:
Which of the following sentences does not contribute to the main idea of the paragraph?
1. Early childhood education contributes to academic and social success.
2. Quality preschool programs help develop communication and problem-solving skills.
3. Early education has little impact on a child's later success.
4. Foundational skills learned early are important for future success.
5. Early childhood education is vital for long-term academic achievement.
Which of the following sentences does not contribute to the main idea of the paragraph?
1. Early childhood education contributes to academic and social success.
2. Quality preschool programs help develop communication and problem-solving skills.
3. Early education has little impact on a child's later success.
4. Foundational skills learned early are important for future success.
5. Early childhood education is vital for long-term academic achievement.
Show Hint
When analyzing "Main Idea" questions, identify the "Direction" of the passage. If the direction is "Positive Impact," look for a sentence that suggests "No Impact" or "Negative Impact." This is your outlier.
Updated On: Apr 1, 2026
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
The main idea of a passage is the central message or the unifying point that the majority of the sentences support. To identify a sentence that does not contribute, look for a statement that contradicts the collective logic or tone established by the other sentences.
Step 1: Determine the core argument of the passage.
By reviewing sentences 1, 2, 4, and 5, we can see a clear pattern:
• Sentence 1: Highlights academic and social success.
• Sentence 2: Mentions the development of communication and problem-solving.
• Sentence 4: Stresses the importance of foundational skills for future success.
• Sentence 5: Labels early education as vital for achievement. The main idea is that early childhood education is highly beneficial and crucial for future growth.
Step 2: Identify the contradictory sentence.
Sentence 3 states that early education has "little impact" on a child's later success. This directly opposes the claims made in every other sentence. Because it undermines the central argument rather than supporting it, it does not contribute to the main idea.
Step 1: Determine the core argument of the passage.
By reviewing sentences 1, 2, 4, and 5, we can see a clear pattern:
• Sentence 1: Highlights academic and social success.
• Sentence 2: Mentions the development of communication and problem-solving.
• Sentence 4: Stresses the importance of foundational skills for future success.
• Sentence 5: Labels early education as vital for achievement. The main idea is that early childhood education is highly beneficial and crucial for future growth.
Step 2: Identify the contradictory sentence.
Sentence 3 states that early education has "little impact" on a child's later success. This directly opposes the claims made in every other sentence. Because it undermines the central argument rather than supporting it, it does not contribute to the main idea.
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