Question

Read the paragraph about carbohydrates. It seems as if every modern diet plan includes an elimination of carbohydrates from one’s diet. "Carbs” are being shunned as everyone seeks out "low-carb” foods and diets. But not every carbohydrate is a cookie; not every "carb” should be rejected. Consider a healthy bowl of pasta and vegetables before a swim or a run. Pasta can provide athletes with energy and a feeling of fullness and satisfaction that might not come from vegetables alone. What is the controlling idea? Many people seeking to lose weight eliminate carbohydrates from their diets. Carbohydrates’ bad reputation ignores the benefits they can offer. There are many dishes that pair healthy vegetables with pasta. Athletes must increase their carbohydrate intake to improve performance.

Answer 1

The controlling idea of an argumentative text or essay states the author's driving opinion or argument. Therefore, it should convey an arguable position that will defend the author's stance on the issue. In this case, the controlling idea of this paragraph about carbohydrates is Carbohydrates’ bad reputation ignores the benefits they can offer.

Answer 2

Answer:

B. Carbohydrates' bad reputation ignores the benefits they can offer.

Explanation:

 The writer mentions the position many people nowadays have concerning the ingestion of carbohydrates, which is leading them to avoid the altogether, but the main idea if the text is that "not every "carb" should be rejected", which shows that a mistaken idea formed around this substance is impeding people to get the benefit from it.