Identifying Main Ideas PDF

**Read the passage and answer the questions.** **A** In the beginning, libraries were collections of documents or records. The Library of Alexandria, in Egypt, is an example of an old and famous library. In ancient times, people in Europe copied books by hand. These books were so valuable that som...

**Read the passage and answer the questions.** **A** In the beginning, libraries were collections of documents or records. The Library of Alexandria, in Egypt, is an example of an old and famous library. In ancient times, people in Europe copied books by hand. These books were so valuable that some people chained them to their bookcases. Libraries became more common after printed books became available. This was around the end of the 1400s. **B** Football is an extremely popular world sport. Young men look up to famous footballers as role models. Several football stars began their sporting careers as children playing on the streets. However, many of them moved on to join football academies, or sports schools, to build their talent and become professional players. **C** Football academies provide football education to students who are 21 years old and below. A student must be at least 9 years old to join an academy. However, some football clubs, such usArsenal, have pre-training programs for even younger players. All the boys at an academy continue their normal school education. They must be able to get good jobs in case they fail to become professional footballers. **D** FC Barcelona\'s football academy, La Masia, is one of the best football academies in the world. Located in Barcelona, Spain, La Masia has over 300 young players. Famous footballers and coaches such as Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola and Ces Fabregas are graduates of La Masia. Many people think that Barcelona's success in the football world is due to the excellent training program provided at La Masia. Today, FC Barcelona has academies in other parts of the world including Egypt, Japan, America, and Dubai. **E** There are many ways to make a mine. One way is by digging underground tunnels. Another way is by removing top layers of soil and rock to create a pit mine. Tunnel mines can stretch for miles underground. Sometimes the tunnels open into large rooms. Miners who work deep underground in these rooms use large machines to dig away at the walls. Workers use large earth-moving machines to make pit mines. The machines scrape and dig at the soil until they uncover the minerals. As the machines dig deeper and deeper, they create a huge hole in the ground. **F** It soon became clear to these first agriculturalists that insects were eating the crops they worked so hard to grow. They had to find ways to stop the insects from doing this. In other words, they had to find a way to kill the insects by developing insecticides, or pesticides as these are also called. The first evidence we have of the use of pesticides is from about 6,500 BC when agriculturalists in Mesopotamia used them. An early insect killer which stopped insects from eating all the farmers\' crops was Sulphur. **G** Gratitude is a simple but powerful habit that can transform the way we see the world. When we take a moment to appreciate the good things in life, even small ones, our perspective changes. Research shows that people who regularly express gratitude are happier, healthier, and have better relationships. Saying "thank you" or keeping a gratitude journal can make us more positive and resilient. Gratitude not only improves our well-being but also strengthens our connections with others. **H** Space exploration has opened our eyes to the vastness of the universe and the possibilities it holds. From landing on the Moon to exploring Mars, humans have always been curious about what lies beyond Earth. These missions have not only provided incredible scientific discoveries but have also inspired generations to dream big. Technologies developed for space exploration, like satellite systems, are now part of our daily lives. The pursuit of the unknown continues to push the boundaries of human potential. **I** Technology has revolutionized education, making learning more accessible and engaging. Digital tools like tablets, online courses, and educational apps have created new opportunities for students worldwide. Teachers can now use interactive resources, videos, and games to explain complex concepts more effectively. Additionally, technology helps students collaborate and learn at their own pace. However, it's essential to balance screen time with real-world experiences to ensure holistic development. **J** Hobbies are a wonderful way to relax and explore our interests outside of work or school. Whether it's painting, gardening, playing a sport, or cooking, hobbies bring joy and satisfaction. They help us reduce stress, develop new skills, and connect with like-minded people. Engaging in a hobby allows us to take a break from our routines and focus on something we truly enjoy. A good hobby can be a source of happiness and personal growth. **K** Protecting the environment is not just about saving trees and animals---it's about ensuring a healthy planet for future generations. Simple actions like recycling, conserving water, and using less plastic can have a significant impact. By switching to renewable energy sources and planting more trees, we can reduce the effects of climate change. Every individual's efforts count, and together, we can make the Earth a better place to live. Taking care of our planet is a responsibility we all share.