ShmoopTube

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Shmoop this one on for size...

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You may have already read this passage, but if you need a quick review, hit pause we'll wait...

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Which of the following MOST accurately summarizes the main idea of this passage?

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And here are the potential answers:

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So... what is this question asking?

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Quite simply... what does this entire passage boil down to? What's the main idea?

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To get an accurate gist, we'll have to read the passage, but we have to be smart about our time...

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...now's the time to whip out whatever secret speed-reading abilities we've been keeping bottled up.

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We don't want to miss any critical information, but it shouldn't be a casual perusal either...

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For a question like this though, the best idea is to read our answer choices first,

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so we know what we're looking for when we read.

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"The construction of the transcontinental railroad was one of the most important technological

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achievements in American history."

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A definite contender. Much of the passage seems to relate to this idea. At one point,

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it makes the claim that the railroad was "the single greatest feat of engineering in U.S. history."

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Sorry, Slinky. We're sure you were a close second.

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But let's take a look at our other options...

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"The railroad was finished in 1869."

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That's certainly true... but is the whole passage about the railroad's completion date? Nope.

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"There was a great deal of greed behind the construction of the railroad, and it was

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fraught with scams and scandals."

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Sounds good... and might also be true... but it isn't supported by this passage.

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So put your views on ultra-capitalism aside and stick to the content given.

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Finally... "The railroad took many years to finish."

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Like B, it's true... but not the central point.

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Looks like A is our champ.

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A, as in... "Ayn Rand would love this one."

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