Question

Difficulty: EasyIdentification of Main Idea and Supporting Details

Read the passage below carefully:

The introduction of solar-powered cold storage facilities has significantly reduced post-harvest losses for artisanal fishers in Badagry. Previously, fishmongers lost nearly forty percent of their daily catch due to rapid spoilage in high tropical temperatures. By maintaining a constant low temperature without relying on erratic grid electricity, these off-grid cooling units preserve fish freshness for up to five days. Consequently, local fishing families have stabilized their daily income and reduced financial vulnerability.

Match each excerpt from the passage on the left with its correct structural role on the right.

  • Solar-powered cold storage facilities have significantly reduced post-harvest fish losses in Badagry.Central Main Idea
  • Fishmongers previously lost nearly forty percent of their daily catch due to rapid spoilage.Supporting Detail (Historical Problem / Evidence)
  • Off-grid cooling units preserve fish freshness for up to five days without relying on grid electricity.Supporting Detail (Operational Mechanism / Proof)

Answer

The statement regarding the reduction of post-harvest fish losses in Badagry expresses the Central Main Idea. The statement highlighting that fishmongers previously lost forty percent of their catch corresponds to the Supporting Detail for the historical problem. The statement detailing five-day freshness without grid power corresponds to the Supporting Detail for the operational mechanism.
The claim regarding the reduction of post-harvest losses encapsulates the entire paragraph's purpose, making it the central main idea. The statistics about past losses and the technical explanation of five-day cooling provide context and evidence, making them supporting details.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary topic and central claim of the passage.
The text focuses primarily on how solar-powered cold storage reduces fish spoilage in Badagry.
The main idea must cover the core message of the entire text rather than a specific fact or mechanism.
2
Analyze the function of background statistical statements.
The mention of losing forty percent of the daily catch illustrates the severity of the past condition.
Specific figures describing past conditions serve as evidence supporting why the new facilities were necessary.
3
Analyze the function of technical explanations in the text.
The detail specifying five-day preservation without grid electricity explains how the main claim is accomplished.
Explanations of how a technology works function as supporting details that reinforce the primary claim.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between the central main idea and supporting evidence or mechanisms within a paragraph.
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