Question

I'm a middle school student in San Francisco, and I think everyone should support the high-speed rail system that's being built.​

2

Every summer, my family plans a trip to the theme parks in Southern California. We always drive, and it takes FOREVER! More than six hours! If we had a high-speed train, we could get from Sacramento to Los Angeles in less than three hours. That would mean three fewer hours sitting in traffic and three more hours having fun.

3

But what if you don't like going to theme parks? The high-speed rail system is still a good idea. People without cars could use it to explore places in our awesome state that they've never been to before. And people who don't feel comfortable driving long distances could use it to visit their friends and families more often.

4

Another reason to support a high-speed rail system is car pollution. This is a big problem in our state. High-speed trains would produce less pollution, making them better than cars for our environment. Plus, trains can carry hundreds of people at once. More people on trains means fewer people needing to drive their cars, which means fewer cars on our crowded highways.

5

Please support a high-speed rail system. Whether you want to get to the theme parks faster, want to travel without having to drive, or care about our environment, high-speed trains will make California better for everyone!

Question 1 of 8
Read "Traveling in California." Then select the correct answer.

What is the main, or central, idea of the text?


A high-speed train makes traveling easy and fast.​

A rail system is useful for people who don’t drive.

A train is better than a car for the environment.

A high-speed rail system is good for Californians.

Answer 1

A high-speed rail system is good for Californians. (Choice 4)

The passage gives several reasons—faster travel, helpful for people without cars, and less pollution—supporting that main idea.