Question 45·Hard·Central Ideas and Details
Sociologist Marisol Gutierrez contends that the visible presence of public surveillance cameras often reduces rather than enhances citizens’ feelings of safety. Gutierrez’s comparative surveys of several large cities indicate that cameras heighten residents’ awareness of potential crime and foster the impression that authorities expect wrongdoing. This amplified sense of risk, she argues, outweighs any reassurance that the devices might otherwise provide.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
For SAT main-idea questions, briefly paraphrase the author’s overall claim (often found in the first sentence and reinforced by the explanation that follows). Then choose the option that matches that claim at the right level of generality and includes the passage’s key relationship (here, the contrast between intended security and reduced feelings of safety), while eliminating choices that reverse the point or add unsupported qualifiers.
Hints
Focus on the author’s overall claim
Look closely at the first sentence: what does Gutierrez say cameras do to people’s feelings of safety? Is it positive or negative?
Notice cause and effect
The middle sentences explain why people feel that way. What do the cameras make residents think about crime and about the authorities?
Watch out for new or missing ideas
As you compare the choices, cross out any that add a different conclusion than the passage (for example, that cameras reassure people overall) or add qualifiers the passage never mentions (like specific time frames).
Look for the contrast signal
The passage sets up a contrast between what cameras are supposed to do and what they actually end up doing. Which option clearly shows that contrast?
Step-by-step Explanation
Restate the passage in your own words
First, summarize what the author is saying:
- Gutierrez contends (argues) that public surveillance cameras often reduce people’s feelings of safety.
- Her surveys indicate cameras can heighten awareness of potential crime.
- Cameras can also suggest that authorities expect wrongdoing.
- That increased sense of risk outweighs any reassurance.
Overall: cameras are intended to increase security, but they often make people feel less safe because they amplify perceived risk and mistrust.
Identify what a correct main-idea answer must include
A correct main-idea answer should:
- State the overall claim, not a minor detail.
- Capture the contrast between cameras’ intended purpose (security) and their actual effect (reduced feelings of safety).
- Reflect the passage’s explanation: cameras remind people of crime and imply official expectation of wrongdoing.
Avoid choices that add claims not in the text (like time frames, policies, or different outcomes).
Use the passage to test each choice
As you check the options, watch for common mismatches:
- Some choices reverse the passage by saying cameras reassure people overall.
- Some add time-based predictions (like “in the long run”) that the passage never makes.
- Some claim the effect varies widely by city, even though the passage presents a general finding and explains why.
The best answer will clearly state the passage’s central contrast and include the key reasons the author gives.
Select the choice that matches the main idea
Although public surveillance cameras are intended to increase security, Gutierrez finds that they frequently make people feel less safe by reminding them of crime and suggesting official mistrust.