Reading Informational Text Unit Test
5 of 185 of 18 Items
Question
Use the paragraph to answer the question.
The platypus is an Australian mammal that is not easily classified. It is one of only two mammals (the other being the echidna) that bears young by laying eggs. In some respects, the platypus resembles a duck; both have webbed feet and bills. The platypus has a tail like a beaver’s and a furry body similar to an otter’s. Its unusual hybrid of body parts makes it well-suited for its largely aquatic life. The platypus uses its webbed feet to paddle through water, and its tail serves as a kind of rudder for steering. While underwater, the platypus uses its bill to scoop up bits of food, such as insects and shellfish, from the water’s bottom. The platypus also scoops up bits of gravel, which grind up the food, as the platypus is toothless. The platypus stores the food and gravel in its cheeks until it reaches the water’s surface. Once the platypus surfaces, it consumes its meal.
Which sentence describes the main idea?
(1 point)
Responses
The platypus is a mammal with many characteristics that make it unique.
The platypus is a mammal with many characteristics that make it unique.
The platypus lives in Australia.
The platypus lives in Australia.
The platypus uses an interesting method to consume its meals.
The platypus uses an interesting method to consume its meals.
The platypus has features similar to an otter and a beaver.
The platypus has features similar to an otter and a beaver.
The sentence "The platypus is a mammal with many characteristics that make it unique" describes the main idea.
The sentence that describes the main idea is: "The platypus is a mammal with many characteristics that make it unique."
To answer this question, we need to find the sentence that best describes the main idea of the paragraph. The main idea is essentially the most important point that the paragraph is trying to convey.
Let's analyze each of the answer choices:
1. "The platypus is a mammal with many characteristics that make it unique." This sentence accurately describes the main idea of the paragraph. It focuses on the unique characteristics of the platypus.
2. "The platypus lives in Australia." While this sentence mentions an important detail about the platypus, it does not capture the main idea of the paragraph, which is about the platypus's unique characteristics and adaptations.
3. "The platypus uses an interesting method to consume its meals." This sentence may be true, but it does not capture the main idea of the paragraph. It is focused on a specific behavior of the platypus, rather than its overall characteristics.
4. "The platypus has features similar to an otter and a beaver." This sentence mentions a specific feature of the platypus, but it does not fully capture the main idea of the paragraph, which is about the platypus's overall uniqueness.
Based on the analysis, the correct sentence describing the main idea is: "The platypus is a mammal with many characteristics that make it unique."