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Difficulty: EasyDetermining Author's Primary Purpose

During the nineteenth century, rapid industrialization transformed cities into crowded, soot-covered hubs of factory labor. In response to these harsh urban conditions, civic reformers began advocating for the creation of public parks. Reformers believed that access to nature was essential for the physical and mental well-being of city dwellers, particularly the working class who lived in cramped tenements. These parks were envisioned not merely as places of recreation, but as democratic spaces where citizens of all social classes could mingle and find respite from the relentless pace of urban life. Central Park in New York City, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, became the premier model of this movement. By integrating sweeping lawns, quiet woodlands, and winding paths, the designers sought to recreate the healing power of the rural landscape within the heart of the metropolis. Ultimately, the establishment of public parks represented a growing recognition that urban planning must prioritize human health and community alongside industrial growth.

Based on the passage, which of the following best states the primary purpose of the text?

  1. A
    critique the negative effects of rapid industrialization on the nineteenth-century working class
  2. explain the historical motivations and philosophy behind the creation of nineteenth-century public parksAnswer
  3. C
    describe the specific landscaping techniques used by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux
  4. D
    argue that Central Park was the only successful public park created during the nineteenth century

Answer

The primary purpose of the passage is to explain the historical motivations and philosophy behind the creation of nineteenth-century public parks.
The correct answer accurately reflects the entire passage, which details the reasons civic reformers wanted parks (to counteract harsh industrial conditions and improve well-being) and the philosophy behind how they were designed.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the passage to identify the central topic and main focus.
The passage discusses the rise of the public park movement in the nineteenth century as a response to industrialization.
Identifying the central topic helps filter out options that focus on minor details or background information.
2
Examine how supporting details, such as the mention of Central Park, relate to the main focus.
Central Park is presented as an example ('premier model') illustrating the philosophy of civic reformers.
This helps rule out options that mistake a supporting example for the primary purpose of the passage.
3
Select the option that best encapsulates the overall objective of the entire text.
The option explaining the historical motivations and philosophy matches the global scope of the passage.
The correct answer must describe the primary purpose of the whole passage rather than a single paragraph or detail.

Key Concept

Determining the primary purpose of a passage requires identifying the main topic and distinguishing it from background context and supporting examples.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Determining Author's Primary Purpose

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