SAT OwlQuestion bank / Central Ideas and Details
In many cities, community gardens are valued mainly for the fresh produce they provide. Sociologist Andrea Kowalczyk argues that their most important contribution may be social. In her study of twelve gardens in Detroit, gardeners reported that they had met more of their neighbors through the garden than through any other activity, and many said they now relied on fellow gardeners for help with childcare, rides, and home repairs.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
Kowalczyk's research suggests that community gardens may matter most for the relationships they build among neighbors.
Community gardens in Detroit produce more food than community gardens in other cities.
Gardeners in Kowalczyk's study preferred helping with home repairs to gardening.
Kowalczyk argues that cities should replace community gardens with childcare centers.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A
The text contrasts the usual view (gardens matter for produce) with Kowalczyk's claim that their main value may be social. Her evidence is that gardeners met neighbors and came to rely on one another. Choice A states this main idea.
Choice C twists a detail; the help with home repairs shows the relationships gardeners formed, not what they preferred to do.
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