Which is the central idea of the following passage? Rabbits and hares are not the same. Rabbits live together in burrows. Their babies are born blind and without fur. Hares live alone above ground. Their babies are born with fur and are not blind. In addition, hares are usually bigger than rabbits.

What is the central idea of the following passage? The ice cream cone was invented in 1904. It all started at the St. Louis World's fair when an ice cream vendor ran out of dishes for his ice cream. A man named Ernest Hamwi was selling waffles in the booth next door. He helped his neighbor out by making cone-shaped waffles to hold the ice cream. The rest, as they say, is history!

The Louisiana Purchase proved to be one of the shrewdest business pacts in the entire history of the United States. The purchase doubled in the area of the country and provided territory from which fourteen new states were created either wholly or in part. It also gave us control over the mouth of the Mississippi River and opened up the way to foreign trade. Prior to the purchase, the waterway had been blocked by the Spanish, probably with the approval of Napoleon. The land that was bought was rich in timber, minerals, and natural resources of many kinds. Finally, the cost of the transaction was unbelievably low; the total of $15 million amounted to about four cents an acre. What is the Central idea?

Every year hungry deer do millions of dollars' worth of damage to young pine trees. Scientists in Washington have found a way to protect the trees. They use a substance called selenium. Selenium produces a bad smell when dissolved. A bit of this element is put in the ground near trees. Rain dissolves the selenium, and the trees absorb it. The bad smell keeps the deer away until the trees are fully grown.

A reporter is writing an article about the decision to open a new middle school. Read the piece of information in each row then select the section where it fits best.

A person is writing a cover letter for a job. Read the piece of information in each row, then select the section where it fits best.

A student is writing a report on the factors behind gaining muscle. Read the piece of information in each row, then select the section where it fits best.

A college student is writing a web page about strategies for dressing stylishly on a budget. Read the piece of information in each row, then select the section where it fits best.

A travel writer is writing a brochure about Iceland. Read the piece of information in each row, then select the section where it fits best.

A journalist is writing an article on pop art. Read the piece of information in each row, then select the section where it fits best.

A lecturer is preparing a speech on desalination. Read the piece of information in each row, then select the section where it fits best.

An art student is writing an essay on glassblowing. Read the piece of information in each row, then select the section where it fits best.

A blogger is writing a post about simple strategies for home improvement. Read the piece of information in each row, then select the section where it fits best.

A student is writing a guide explaining the structure and responsibilities of the United Nations. Read the piece of information in each row, then select the section where it fits best.

A successful modern dancer is writing an autobiography. Read the piece of information in each row, then select the section where it fits best.

Many cities are adding bike lanes to busy streets. These lanes make it safer for cyclists and encourage people to choose biking over driving. As more people bike, traffic congestion decreases and air quality improves. City planners believe bike lanes are an important step toward healthier communities. Identify the central idea.

Before electricity, people relied on candles and oil lamps for light. These methods were dim and sometimes dangerous. The invention of electric lighting allowed people to work longer hours and made homes safer. Today, electric light is essential to daily life. Identify the central idea. 

Dogs are often trained to assist people with disabilities. Some dogs help guide individuals who are visually impaired, while others alert their owners to medical emergencies. These service animals are carefully trained to perform tasks that improve independence and safety. Identify the central idea. 

Learning to manage time is an important skill for students. Using planners, setting reminders, and breaking tasks into smaller steps can reduce stress. Students who manage their time well are often more successful in school. Identify the central idea. 

Match each excerpt to its correct central idea.