Question
The year is 2186. Humankind has taken to living
underground during a decades-long nuclear winter. inere
Is no government and no form of widespread
communication. Isolated pockets of individuals live in self-
sustaining shelters or caves, each group barely managing
to subsist.
Which statement best describes the main idea of this passage?
• A. Even if all other resources are eliminated, humans can survive
underground.
C B. In any widespread nuclear conflict, no side can truly win.
C. No matter what disasters might occur, society will flourish.
D. Government regulation of communication will lead to a fractured
society.
Answer
The main idea of this passage is that in the year 2186, humankind is living underground during a nuclear winter without any government or widespread communication, and is barely managing to subsist in isolated pockets. Therefore, option C and D are incorrect. Option A is partially correct, but it does not address the main idea of the passage, which is the struggle for survival in a post-apocalyptic world. Option B is the best choice as it accurately summarizes the main idea of the passage that in a nuclear conflict, no side can truly win and the consequences can be devastating for all.