Question

Which sentence best describes a central idea of the passage? She was born a poor family in 1867 and early in her life she worked as a laundress and earned less than a dollar a day my family is on land in this area for generations and we have always taking pride in being active in the local community instead of becoming a meaningless addition to the highway this lovely visa property could turn into a museum.

Answer 1

The central idea of the passage focuses on the challenges faced by individuals from varied socio-economic backgrounds, including struggles with poverty, exploitation, and achieving social success. It discusses the difficulties of living on minimum wage and the importance of education as a route to success, while also reflecting on the influence of wealth on social standing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The central idea of the passage revolves around the experiences of individuals from different socio-economic backgrounds and the challenges they face. Through the vignettes provided, one can discern that the characters undergo struggles with poverty, labor exploitation, and societal expectations. From the struggles of a child working alongside their mother in a sweatshop, as mentioned by Jane Addams, to the plight faced by individuals making ends meet on a minimum wage, these narratives showcase the hardships encountered by the less privileged in society.

Minimum wage work is an overarching theme seen in the passages, suggesting that surviving on such income is near impossible. This is illustrated by descriptions of employees who juggle multiple jobs, live in substandard conditions, and still struggle to afford basic necessities. The plight of workers during the industrialization era is also highlighted, as the narrative touches upon the impact of immigrant labor on job competition and wage standards.

Another salient point is the emphasis on education as a crucial pathway to success, which is contrasted with the harsh reality that not all individuals have the privilege of full access to educational resources. This is evident in the personal recollections of individuals who grew up during periods of slavery and were deprived of educational opportunities.

The passage also sheds light on the concept of social success and how it is often influenced by external factors such as wealth and community standing. This is observed in the reflection of a character who fails to realize the extent to which her family's affluence contributed to her social success.