PrepTest 153

Incorrect. (Lines 56-62) One key factor in any correct Main Point answer is that the tone has to match the passage. This answer is way too negative, focusing on the threat of the secondary problem, whereas the passage ends on a hopeful note about a way to address that threat.

Correct. Question Type:
Main Point

Strategy Overview:
Reiterate the main point of the passage that we already summarized after reading through the passage

Answer Anticipation/Relevant Lines:
When a passage has a strong meta-structure, we generally want our main point to reflect that. Here, the passage is a Problem/Solution passage, but we should also be sure to include the secondary problem in our anticipation.

The overarching problem? Native languages have largely disappeared due to US government policies, and the remaining ones are threatened. What's the solution? Several were proposed, but the passage focuses on one—using radio to preserve these languages.

What's the secondary problem? The internet is driving users in native communities to learn English, and if they use it as a primary language, they can lose their ability to fluently speak a native language. And is there a solution for this? Yep—specific programming that reflects the oral tradition of these communities instead of simply presenting lessons in the language can re-engage this audience.

So the main point brings these together—Radio broadcasts can serve as an effective means of preserving native languages despite threats from US government policies and the internet, but they should resonate with the oral traditions of these communities.

Answer Explanation:
(Lines 19-21; Lines 39-43) The passage notes that radio programming is being used to preserve native languages, and there are ways to make it effective even when the internet threatens their preservation. This answer reflects both problems and the shared solution offered by the passage, making it correct. While it doesn't get into the details of how it can counter the threat of the internet, it does say that radio "may be" able to help combat this threat, reflecting the certainty of the passage, which relies on certain conditions being met for that to happen.

Key Takeaway:
When a passage has a meta-structure to it, you should be sure to frame your main point around it. This will let you hit the relevant elements that should show up in the correct answer!

Incorrect. (Lines 31-33; Lines 13-21) First, the passage doesn't present "many other media" as a threat to native languages. The only other threat we learn of is the misguided US policies. Second, the passage lists other ways to preserve language and calls radio broadcasts a "particularly effective tool," not "the only viable" tool.

Incorrect. (Lines 39-43) This answer is too broad in talking about language preservation and cultural contexts generally. The passage is about Native American languages, and this answer completely fails to mention them specifically.

Incorrect. (Lines 13-21; Lines 27-30) There are two issues with this answer. First, the stimulus notes that there are other approaches that work, just radio is "particularly effective," so this answer about other methods failing is incorrect. Second, the mention of the elderly rekindling their interest in the use of their language is just one of many points raised, so presenting it as the key support as this answer does misses the scope of the passage.