Question

Difficulty: MediumDetermining Paragraph-Level Main Ideas

The following passage is adapted from an essay about the history of industrial chemistry.

[Paragraph 1] (lines 1-14)
In 1856, eighteen-year-old chemist William Henry Perkin set out to synthesize quinine, an expensive malaria treatment derived from cinchona bark. Working in his crude home laboratory, Perkin attempted to oxidize aniline compounds. Instead of the clear crystals of quinine he hoped for, his reactions yielded a dark, sticky residue. When cleaning the flask with alcohol, however, Perkin noticed the substance dissolved into a brilliant, resilient purple solution. Rather than discarding the failed experiment, he recognized that this vibrant hue could serve as a synthetic alternative to natural purple dyes, which were then exceedingly rare and costly.

[Paragraph 2] (lines 15-28)
Recognizing the commercial potential of his discovery, Perkin chose a path unusual for young scientists of his era: instead of publishing his academic findings, he quickly patented the formula. He established a factory to mass-produce the dye, which he named "mauveine." Perkin’s venture faced immediate skepticism from traditionalists, who doubted a synthetic chemical could compete with natural sources like cochineal insects. However, by solving practical manufacturing challenges, including how to bind the new dye to various fabrics, Perkin successfully demonstrated that synthetic dyes could be produced reliably and cheaply, bypassing natural supply chains.

[Paragraph 3] (lines 29-41)
The success of mauveine went far beyond a single fashionable color; it fundamentally transformed the global economy and scientific research. Prior to Perkin’s breakthrough, chemistry was largely an analytical science focused on studying existing materials. Mauveine’s commercial triumph proved that chemical synthesis could create entirely new, highly valuable industries. This catalyst sparked a wave of synthetic chemical innovation across Europe, leading to the development of new pigments, pharmaceuticals, and synthetic materials, ultimately establishing organic chemistry as a cornerstone of modern industrial enterprise.

Based on the passage, which main ideas best correspond to Paragraph 1, Paragraph 2, and Paragraph 3 respectively? Match each paragraph from the left to its primary main idea on the right.

  • Paragraph 1 (lines 1-14)The accidental creation of a synthetic dye during a failed medical research experiment.
  • Paragraph 2 (lines 15-28)The commercialization and manufacturing of the dye in the face of skepticism.
  • Paragraph 3 (lines 29-41)The global and scientific shift toward synthetic organic chemistry industries.

Answer

Paragraph 1 matches the accidental discovery of mauveine during a failed pharmaceutical experiment; Paragraph 2 matches the commercialization and patenting of mauveine; Paragraph 3 matches the broader impact of mauveine on industrial organic chemistry.
The matching correctly pairs each paragraph with its distinct central focus: the first paragraph centers on the accidental laboratory discovery, the second on commercialization and production hurdles, and the third on the global industry-wide transformation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Paragraph 1 to determine its main focus.
The paragraph highlights Perkin's attempt to synthesize quinine (a malaria drug) and how this failed attempt led to the accidental creation of a purple chemical residue that he recognized as a potential dye.
This establishes the core narrative of accidental discovery that defines the first paragraph.
2
Analyze Paragraph 2 to determine its main focus.
The paragraph focuses on Perkin's decision to patent mauveine, build a factory, resolve manufacturing issues, and prove the economic viability of synthetic dyes against skepticism.
This traces the business and manufacturing process described in the second paragraph.
3
Analyze Paragraph 3 to determine its main focus.
The paragraph explains that mauveine's success catalyzed a shift in chemistry from analytical observation to industrial synthesis, transforming the global economy.
This identifies the long-term legacy discussed in the final paragraph.

Key Concept

Determining Paragraph-Level Main Ideas
Estimated Time:2m 0s
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