Directions: Read each paragraph and determine its topic. Then select the answer choice that expresses its implied main idea. (Remember that the topic must be part of the main idea sentence.)

Passage One

How do migrating animals find their destination? They navigate in a variety of ways. Fish use their sense of smell to recognize their migration paths and are guided by changing water temperatures. Birds use the position of the sun to orient themselves. Some birds have magnetic particles in their ear mechanisms that act as a compass. Mammals rely on their memory. Some elephant trails have been used for hundreds of years. Source: Adapted from The Complete Book of Questions and Answers, Columbus, OH: American Education Publishing, 2002, p. 120.

1			The topic of this paragraph is:
			A)	destinations.
			B)	fishes' sense of smell.
			C)	how birds orient themselves.
			D)	migrating animals
2			The implied main idea is:
			A)	How do migrating animals find their way?
			B)	Migrating animals navigate in a variety of ways.
			C)	Mammals rely on their memory.
			D)	Fish and birds have special methods for finding their way.

Passage Two

Psychologists say that a sigh can express satisfaction and contentment. Frequent sighing can suggest despair and depression. It can also express disgust or frustration. It can express several emotions, but there is no one correct way to interpret its meaning.

3			The topic of this paragraph is:
			A)	psychologists.
			B)	a sigh; sighing.
			C)	despair and depression.
			D)	interpreting emotions.
4			The implied main idea is:
			A)	Psychologists say that a sigh can express satisfaction and contentment, and frequent sighing can suggest despair and depression.
			B)	Sighing can express several emotions.
			C)	A sign can express emotions, such as disgust or frustration.
			D)	A sigh can express several emotions, but there is no one correct way to interpret its meaning.

Passage Three

You're up to your neck in credit card debt. You're feeling stressed, perhaps even panicky. You may be tempted to take out a home equity loan to pay off high credit card debt. Financial specialists say that's a bad idea! If you spend the money instead of paying off your debt, you'll dig yourself into a deeper financial hole. Even worse, you could lose your home.

5			The topic of this paragraph is:
			A)	credit card debt.
			B)	feeling stressed and panicky.
			C)	using a home equity loan to pay off credit card debt.
			D)	consulting financial specialists.
6			The implied main idea is:
			A)	You're feeling stressed, perhaps even panicky, and you may be tempted to take out a home equity loan to pay off high credit card debt.
			B)	You may be tempted to take out a home equity loan to pay off high credit card debt, but financial specialists say that's a bad idea.
			C)	If you spend the money instead of paying off your debt, you'll dig yourself into a deeper financial hole.
			D)	Financial specialists say that's a bad idea!

Passage Four

Whenever your physician orders a medical test for you, ask why you need it. You should also inquire about the risks and benefits are. Find out how to prepare for it. For example, you may need to fast or discontinue medications or herbal remedies you are taking. Finally, be sure to ask what the test will involve. Source: Adapted from Paul Insel and Walton Roth, Core Concepts of Health, Brief ed., 9th ed., p. 354. Copyright © 2002 The McGraw-Hill Companies.

7			The topic of this paragraph is:
			A)	why your physician orders a medical test.
			B)	medical tests.
			C)	risks and benefits.
			D)	discontinuing medications and herbal remedies.
8			The implied main idea is:
			A)	There are several questions you should ask whenever your doctor orders a medical test for you.
			B)	You should also inquire about the risks and benefits are.
			C)	Find out how to prepare for it.
			D)	For example, you may need to fast or discontinue medications or herbal remedies you are taking.

Passage Five

When tigers hunt, they hunt alone. In contrast, lions hunt in groups; they work together to drive their prey into an ambush. Cheetahs are known for their speed when they chase prey. Leopards are able to climb trees when they are prowling for prey. Surprisingly, jaguars often hunt in water. There is great diversity in the hunting habits of large cats. There is also great diversity in the places in which they hunt.

9			The topic of this paragraph is:
			A)	how tigers and lions hunt.
			B)	cheetahs, leopards, and jaguars.
			C)	where cats hunt.
			D)	the hunting habits of large cats.
10			The implied main idea is:
			A)	When tigers hunt, they hunt alone, but in contrast, lions hunt in groups.
			B)	Cheetahs, leopards, and jaguars have different methods of hunting.
			C)	There is also great diversity in the places in which they hunt.
			D)	There is great diversity in the hunting habits of large cats, and there is also great diversity in the places in which they hunt.