SAT Reading & Writing · Central Ideas and Details
A coastal town restored a salt marsh along a section of shoreline that had previously been protected by a concrete wall. During ordinary…
A coastal town restored a salt marsh along a section of shoreline that had previously been protected by a concrete wall. During ordinary high tides, the marsh absorbed water across a broad vegetated area; during one severe storm, however, nearby roads still flooded. Engineers concluded that the marsh reduced routine flooding but was not sufficient by itself to prevent damage from every extreme event.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
Answer and explanation
Answer: A: Salt marsh restoration can reduce some flooding without guaranteeing protection from the most severe storms.
The passage presents both a benefit, reduced routine flooding, and a limitation, insufficient protection during an extreme storm, and A is the only choice that preserves both parts of that balanced conclusion. B invents an absolute comparison the passage never makes. C contradicts the passage, which describes the marsh absorbing water during ordinary tides, not increasing flooding. D overstates a single storm's outcome into a sweeping claim that marsh restoration has no value at all.
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