Question 135·Medium·Central Ideas and Details
In a recent column, urban planner Javier Ortiz praises River City’s new "Storefronts Alive" program, which offers short-term, low-cost leases to artists and entrepreneurs willing to occupy vacant downtown shops. Ortiz argues that the initiative has already enlivened once-deserted blocks with pop-up galleries and cafés, drawing foot traffic that benefits established businesses as well. However, he cautions that because the program relies on a one-year grant from a private foundation, its long-term impact may be limited unless city officials secure a sustainable funding source before the grant expires.
Which choice best states the main idea of the passage?
For main idea questions, first read the entire passage and then, in your own words, summarize what the author is saying overall—include both the main positive or negative point and any key contrast introduced by words like "however," "but," or "although." Only after you have that one-sentence summary should you look at the answer choices and eliminate any that (1) introduce details or reasons not mentioned in the passage, (2) focus on a minor detail instead of the whole point, or (3) contradict the author’s stated attitude; then choose the option that best matches your own summary.
Hints
Use the whole passage, not just the first sentence
Reread both the beginning and the ending of the paragraph. The main idea usually combines the author’s description of what is happening and any warning or conclusion at the end.
Pay attention to contrast words
Look closely at the sentence starting with "However, he cautions that..." How does this contrast with the earlier praise? The main idea often includes both sides of such a contrast.
Eliminate options that add new causes or opinions
Check each answer for details that do not appear in the passage, like specific reasons for downtown’s problems or strong opinions about who "should" be responsible. Those are usually traps.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify the topic and author’s focus
The passage is about River City’s new "Storefronts Alive" program. Javier Ortiz, an urban planner, is explaining what the program does (short-term, low-cost leases for vacant shops) and what effects it is having on downtown.
Determine the author’s overall view and tone
Ortiz praises the program and says it "has already enlivened once-deserted blocks" and is "drawing foot traffic that benefits established businesses as well." This shows he thinks the program is successful and positive.
Then there is a contrast word: "However, he cautions that..." This tells you his view is mixed: mostly positive, but with an important warning.
Find the key warning or limitation
The warning is that the program relies on a one-year grant from a private foundation, so "its long-term impact may be limited unless city officials secure a sustainable funding source before the grant expires."
So, the central idea combines two parts:
- The program is currently revitalizing downtown.
- Its long-term success is at risk without more permanent funding from the city.
Match the central idea to the best answer choice
Now compare each option to that central idea (current success plus concern about future funding).
Only choice B says that the program is rejuvenating River City’s downtown and that its success may be short-lived unless it receives continued financial support, which directly matches Ortiz’s praise and his warning about the one-year grant.
Correct answer: B) Although the Storefronts Alive program is rejuvenating River City’s downtown, its success may be short-lived unless it receives continued financial support.