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 starts by talking about high - school students' academic workload. Then it poses a question about character development and emphasizes the importance of community service for students. It claims that students involved in community service are better prepared for both school and life.

• The first option is about academic study hours, which is just a part of the introduction, not the main idea.
• The second option says community - service should replace academic courses. But the paragraph doesn't suggest replacement, just an addition or importance of community service.
• The third option is about academic success through facts and math skills, which is again part of the academic side mentioned at the start, not the main idea.
• The fourth option, "Youths should prioritize community service in preparation for their future", aligns with the overall message of the paragraph that community service is important for students' overall preparation (both academic and life).

Answer:

"Youths should prioritize community service in preparation for their future."