Read: 'The Japanese practice of kintsugi — repairing broken pottery with gold — transforms damage into artistry. Rather than concealing cracks, it highlights them, creating something more beautiful for having been broken. The philosophy extends beyond ceramics: acknowledging imperfection rather than hiding it often produces more resilient and authentic results.' What is the MAIN IDEA?

The main idea captures the CENTRAL ARGUMENT — not just the example (kintsugi) but the broader principle the author draws from it. The passage opens with a specific practice but immediately extends it: 'The philosophy extends beyond ceramics.' The main idea must include this broader application. The passage argues that ACKNOWLEDGING imperfection (not hiding it) produces better results — this is the thesis. Option A (expensive pottery) is a supporting detail at best, not the point. Option C (gold in art) is also too narrow. Option D (pottery breaks) misses the argument entirely. On the ASVAB, main idea questions often have one option that's too narrow (a single detail from the passage) and one that's too broad (a vague generality). The correct answer is specific enough to describe this passage but broad enough to capture its full argument.