Question

Difficulty: EasyDistinguishing Main Idea from Details

Proper lubrication of pneumatic air tools is essential to ensure their longevity and reliable operation. When compressed air flows into a pneumatic tool, it can strip away residual lubricants and expose internal metal components to moisture. To prevent friction and internal corrosion, a few drops of specialized air tool oil should be added directly into the air inlet before each use, or an inline lubricator should be installed. While some operators mistakenly believe standard motor oil is acceptable, motor oil is too viscous and can gum up delicate internal vanes. Maintaining regular lubrication prevents premature tool failure and costly repairs.

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

  1. A
    A few drops of specialized air tool oil should be added directly into the air inlet before each use.
  2. B
    Standard motor oil is too viscous and gums up delicate internal vanes in pneumatic equipment.
  3. Regular and proper lubrication is essential to protect pneumatic tools from damage and ensure reliable operation.Answer
  4. D
    Pneumatic tools will function without wear as long as an inline lubricator is installed.

Answer

Regular and proper lubrication is essential to protect pneumatic tools from damage and ensure reliable operation.
The correct statement captures the central purpose of the passage: explaining why regular and appropriate lubrication is necessary to prevent tool failure and ensure longevity. Both the opening topic sentence and the concluding sentence reinforce this overarching message, while the intervening sentences serve as supporting evidence and specific guidelines.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary topic and central claim of the passage.
The topic sentence and concluding sentence both emphasize that lubricating air tools properly and consistently is vital to prevent premature wear and failure.
The main idea represents the author's primary argument that unifies all supporting sentences.
2
Evaluate the answer choices to distinguish the overarching thesis from supporting evidence.
Statements describing specific oiling procedures, warnings about motor oil, or exaggerated claims are either narrow details or scope errors, leaving the comprehensive summary as the main idea.
Supporting details provide examples and explanations but do not encompass the scope of the full passage.

Key Concept

Distinguishing Main Idea from Details
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