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Difficulty: MediumExplicit Main Idea

Hydraulic fluid contamination is the primary cause of mechanical degradation and valve failure in modern aircraft flight control systems. Particulate matter entering hydraulic lines causes accelerated abrasion against precision-machined actuators, leading to fluid bypass and delayed control surface response. In addition, chemical breakdown from excessive operating temperatures introduces corrosive acidic compounds that deteriorate synthetic elastomeric seals. Routine sampling and multipath filtration protocols are therefore strictly enforced to maintain fluid purity.

Which of the following statements best expresses the main idea of the passage?

  1. A
    Particulate matter causes accelerated abrasion against precision-machined actuators and fluid bypass.
  2. B
    All mechanical breakdowns in modern aviation systems stem from extreme operating temperatures.
  3. Contaminated hydraulic fluid is the leading cause of component wear and system malfunction in aircraft flight controls.Answer
  4. D
    Routine sampling and multipath filtration are strictly enforced to test synthetic elastomeric seals.

Answer

Contaminated hydraulic fluid is the leading cause of component wear and system malfunction in aircraft flight controls.
The passage explicitly begins with the primary claim that hydraulic fluid contamination is the leading source of mechanical degradation and valve failure in flight control systems. The rest of the paragraph describes the physical and chemical damage caused by this contamination, confirming that the statement highlighting contaminated hydraulic fluid as the main cause of component wear and malfunction is the central idea.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate the explicit topic sentence within the paragraph.
The opening sentence directly states that hydraulic fluid contamination is the primary cause of mechanical degradation and valve failure in modern aircraft flight control systems.
In expository passages, the central claim is frequently introduced in the initial lead sentence.
2
Evaluate subsequent sentences to verify whether they support this central claim.
The remaining sentences detail specific mechanisms of contamination damage (particulate abrasion and chemical degradation) and protective maintenance protocols.
Supporting details serve to explain, illustrate, or prove the overarching main idea.
3
Select the option that encapsulates the overall message rather than an isolated fact or broad exaggeration.
The choice identifying contaminated hydraulic fluid as the leading cause of component wear and system malfunction matches the explicit topic sentence.
A valid main idea statement covers the full scope of the passage without being too narrow or too broad.

Key Concept

Identifying Explicit Main Ideas in Expository Paragraphs
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Explicit Main Idea

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