The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B.

Question

Part A

Which sentence from the text is the central idea, or author’s thesis?
A. “When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the United States went to war on two fronts—against Japan in the Pacific and against Germany and Italy in Europe.” (paragraph 1)
B. “The success of the U.S. relied on its entire citizenry, as government campaigns urged people to take manufacturing jobs, conserve resources, buy war bonds, and volunteer to support the war at home.” (paragraph 1)
C. “More than 16 million U.S. citizens joined the military, most of them men, which reduced the number of people available to take their places in manufacturing.” (paragraph 2)
D. “Many everyday goods were difficult to obtain during wartime, so sacrifice was the norm for many U.S. civilians.” (paragraph 5)
Part B

Readers can identify this sentence as the central idea, or thesis, of the text because it clearly states—
A. the topic that the author will discuss.
B. the claim that the author will disprove.
C. the main point that the author will explain and support with evidence.
D. the controversial opinion that the author will debate with opposing thinkers.

Answer 1

Part A

The central idea, or author’s thesis, is:
A. “When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the United States went to war on two fronts—against Japan in the Pacific and against Germany and Italy in Europe.” (paragraph 1)

Part B

Readers can identify this sentence as the central idea, or thesis, of the text because it clearly states—
C. the main point that the author will explain and support with evidence.