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CAHSEE ELA 5.1 Main Idea and Sources 479 Views
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Description:
CAHSEE ELA: Main Idea and Sources Drill 5, Problem 1. Which of the following most accurately summarizes the main idea of this passage?
Transcript
- 00:03
Shmoop this one on for size...
- 00:05
You may have already read this passage, but if you need a quick review, hit pause we'll wait...
- 00:15
Which of the following MOST accurately summarizes the main idea of this passage?
- 00:20
And here are the potential answers:
- 00:25
So... what is this question asking?
Full Transcript
- 00:27
Quite simply... what does this entire passage boil down to? What's the main idea?
- 00:31
To get an accurate gist, we'll have to read the passage, but we have to be smart about our time...
- 00:37
...now's the time to whip out whatever secret speed-reading abilities we've been keeping bottled up.
- 00:44
We don't want to miss any critical information, but it shouldn't be a casual perusal either...
- 00:49
For a question like this though, the best idea is to read our answer choices first,
- 00:53
so we know what we're looking for when we read.
- 00:56
"The construction of the transcontinental railroad was one of the most important technological
- 01:01
achievements in American history."
- 01:03
A definite contender. Much of the passage seems to relate to this idea. At one point,
- 01:09
it makes the claim that the railroad was "the single greatest feat of engineering in U.S. history."
- 01:14
Sorry, Slinky. We're sure you were a close second.
- 01:19
But let's take a look at our other options...
- 01:21
"The railroad was finished in 1869."
- 01:23
That's certainly true... but is the whole passage about the railroad's completion date? Nope.
- 01:29
"There was a great deal of greed behind the construction of the railroad, and it was
- 01:33
fraught with scams and scandals."
- 01:35
Sounds good... and might also be true... but it isn't supported by this passage.
- 01:40
So put your views on ultra-capitalism aside and stick to the content given.
- 01:45
Finally... "The railroad took many years to finish."
- 01:48
Like B, it's true... but not the central point.
- 01:52
Looks like A is our champ.
- 01:53
A, as in... "Ayn Rand would love this one."
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