Larizing a Main Idea The great basic facts are already well known. We know
that our population is now adding about one-fifth to its
numbers in ten years, and that by the middle of the
present century perhaps one hundred and fifty million
Americans, and by its end very many millions more, must
be fed and clothed from the products of our soil. With the
steady growth in population and the still more rapid
increase in consumption, our people will hereafter make
greater and not less demands per capita upon all the
natural resources for their livelihood, comfort, and
convenience. It is high time to realize that our
responsibility to the coming millions is like that of
parents to their children, and that in wasting our
resources we are wronging our descendants.
-President Theodore Roosevelt to Congress,
February 1909
Which statement best summarizes the main idea of
this passage?
Rising population rates will cause major problems
for the environment.
There is no connection between social issues and
environmental issues.
O There are enough natural resources to support the
nation's growing population.
O Environmental issues should take a back seat to
poverty and other social problems.