The primary purpose of the passage is to
Show Hint
- explain why women reformers of the Progressive Era failed to achieve their goals
- discuss the origins of child labor laws in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries
- compare the living conditions of working-class and middle-class women in the Progressive Era
- discuss an oversight on the part of women reformers of the Progressive Era
- revise a traditional view of the role played by women reformers in enacting Progressive Era reforms
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This is a primary purpose question, asking for the main goal of the passage. The correct answer will encapsulate the overall theme and scope of the text. We can infer the theme by looking at the language used across all the related questions (60-65).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The questions repeatedly contrast "women reformers" (likely middle-class) with "working-class mothers." Questions 61, 63, and 64 all point towards a conflict, a "difference of opinion," or a "shortsighted" approach by the reformers. This suggests the passage is not simply praising the reformers but offering a more critical or nuanced perspective.
Let's analyze the options:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{(A) is too strong; the passage likely discusses a flaw or challenge, not necessarily a complete "failure to achieve their goals."} \\ \bullet & \text{(B) and (C) are too broad and descriptive. The questions suggest a specific argument or critique, not just a general discussion or comparison.} \\ \bullet & \text{(D) This option fits perfectly with the inferred theme. An "oversight" suggests the reformers missed something important—likely the economic perspective of the working class, which led to resistance against their efforts. This is a specific, critical point that could sustain an entire passage.} \\ \bullet & \text{(E) This is also a strong possibility. Discussing an "oversight" (D) is a way to "revise a traditional view" (E). However, (D) is more specific about the content of the revision. Passages often achieve a revision by focusing on a specific oversight. Given the other questions' focus on the conflict and the reformers' blind spot, (D) is a more direct description of the passage's main task.} \\ \end{array}\]
Step 3: Final Answer:
The passage's primary focus appears to be on the specific blind spot or miscalculation of the Progressive Era women reformers in their campaign against child labor. Therefore, its main purpose is to discuss this oversight.
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