Question

read the paragraph about community service. across the nation, high school students are loading their schedules with rigorous academic courses. countless hours are being spent conjugating verbs, measuring angles, and memorizing historical facts in attempt to develop their young minds. but what about character? kids need to look up from their textbooks and consider their communities. kids who are in service to their neighbors and communities will emerge from high school better prepared than their academic peers. they will not only be prepared for classrooms, but for the life around it. what is the controlling idea? students with rigorous academic courses spend many hours studying. community - service opportunities should replace academic courses. memorizing facts and practicing math skills assures academic success. youths should prioritize community service in preparation for their future.

Explanation:

The paragraph emphasizes the importance of community - service for high - school students. It starts by highlighting the focus on academic courses and then poses the question about character development. It argues that kids should consider their communities and that community - service prepares them better for life.

• The first option is about academic study time, which is not the main idea.
• The second option says community - service should replace academic courses, but the paragraph doesn't suggest replacement, just addition.
• The third option is about academic success through facts and math skills, which is not the main focus.
• The fourth option aligns with the idea that youths (high - school students) should prioritize community - service for their future (better prepared for life around the classroom).

Answer:

Youths should prioritize community service in preparation for their future.