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Difficulty: MediumIdentification of Main Idea and Supporting Details

Read the passage below carefully and answer the question that follows.

The introduction of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Lagos was primarily designed to mitigate chronic urban traffic congestion by offering a high-capacity, dedicated-lane public transport network. Prior to its launch, informal minibuses dominated the city's transport landscape, leading to gridlock, erratic fares, and severe air pollution. By establishing segregated lanes and standardized fare collection, the BRT framework successfully reduced average commute times across major corridors and decreased carbon emissions. Although commuters initially faced challenges regarding overcrowding during peak hours and occasional fleet maintenance delays, the system fundamentally transformed municipal transit planning. Ultimately, the BRT model demonstrated that dedicated bus lanes combined with centralized management can provide a scalable solution to mobility crises in rapidly growing African megacities.

Which of the following statements best expresses the central thesis of the passage?

  1. Dedicated lanes and centralized management make the BRT system a viable, scalable model for resolving urban mobility crises in expanding African cities.Answer
  2. B
    The establishment of segregated lanes and standardized fares led to reduced commute times and lower carbon emissions across major corridors.
  3. C
    Persistent peak-hour overcrowding and fleet maintenance delays have ultimately undermined the effectiveness of municipal transit planning in Lagos.
  4. D
    Informal minibuses were completely phased out in order to eradicate urban gridlock and eliminate air pollution in Lagos.

Answer

Dedicated lanes and centralized management make the BRT system a viable, scalable model for resolving urban mobility crises in expanding African cities.
The correct option synthesizes the passage's primary claim: that the combination of dedicated lanes and structured management in Lagos provides a scalable blueprint for managing transportation challenges in expanding urban centers.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structural organization of the passage.
Identified the problem introduced (urban congestion), the intervention (Lagos BRT), specific evidence/supporting benefits (reduced commute times, lower emissions), and the final concluding evaluation.
Understanding paragraph structure separates premise and supporting details from the primary conclusion.
2
Distinguish the central thesis from supporting details and minor counterpoints.
The final sentence encapsulates the broader implication: the BRT model demonstrates a scalable solution for mobility crises in growing African megacities.
The main idea must synthesize the entire passage rather than focus on isolated evidence like commute times or peak-hour delays.
3
Evaluate the choices against the passage evidence.
The option highlighting BRT as a viable, scalable model for resolving urban mobility crises accurately synthesizes the full scope of the author's argument.
Selecting the option that reflects the comprehensive concluding insight satisfies the main idea requirement.

Key Concept

Identifying the Main Idea vs. Supporting Details in a Comprehension Passage
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Topics

Identification of Main Idea and Supporting Details

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