Reading Comprehension

PT124 · S4 · P4 · Q20 Cyclamen Mites

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Sometimes there is no more effective means of controlling an agricultural pest than giving free rein to its natural predators.

Central Topic

Controlling unwanted crop pests with natural predators vs. pesticides

Framework

Theme / Example

Main Point

Sometimes you'd get better results managing a crop pest population with a natural predator than with a pesticide, as is the case with cyclamen mites and their predator, Typhlodromus.

Passage Map

(P1) General idea. Introduction to specific example -- Sometimes letting natural predator control a crop pest is the best way. A case in point is cyclamen/tyhplo. (P2) Reasons typhlo is an effective way to control cyclamen (P3) Experimental support for effectiveness of typhlo (P4) Practical, in the field, support for effectiveness of typhlo

Other Commentary

On physical science passages that have visually challenging terms (like cyclamen, typhlodromus, parathion), it is very helpful for understanding and retention to re-brand those in much simpler terms.

As we pause to self-summarize, we want to be saying things like,

The second sentence of the passage reveals the purpose / main point of the passage, with the rhetorical phrase a case in point.

Just like when we see "for example", when we see "a case in point" we are becoming aware that the author cares enough about the previous idea to try to support it and flesh it out.

When you find a framing idea that the author wants to support, you should pause and re-read that framing idea until you've self-summarized it in easy language that you can understand and remember.

20.

Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main point of the passage?

  1. Control of agricultural pests is

    Too Strong: "most effectively"

    This is in the right direction, but the extreme language is a giveaway that it's wrong. Our most valuable sentences are the first two sentences, which say "Sometimes the natural predator is better than pesticides".

    5% picked this

  2. Experimental verification is essential in

    Too Strong: "essential" Too Narrow / Assumption

    The extreme word essential is a quick reason to consider this unlikely. Its emphasis on experimental verification is definitely not the main point. This just sounds an assumption the author may have in presenting the 3rd and 4th paragraphs. The main point should sound like the general claim in the first sentence or like the application-of-the-general claim in the second sentence.

    0% picked this

  3. Correct

    The relationship between Typhlodromus and

    Why this is right

    This nicely synthesizes the Example (cycla / typhlo) with the General (natural predation can be best way to control pest).

    Skill tested: Main Point · how this choice captures the passage's function is the move to repeat next time.

    90% picked this

  4. Predation by Typhlodromus is essential

    Too Strong: "essential"

    The author is never making such an extreme case that Typhlodromus is necessary, just that it's super effective and probably better to rely on this natural predator when it comes to getting cyclamen off strawberry plants.

    4% picked this

  5. Similarity in mode and timing

    Too Narrow

    Yes, this is established in the 2nd paragraph, but "the reason T is an effective way to control C" is not the main point. The main point is a more general point about how natural predators can sometimes be are best form of crop control.

    1% picked this

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