Question 110·Medium·Text Structure and Purpose
In the early 1900s, journalist Ida Tarbell published a series of articles investigating the practices of the Standard Oil Company. Tarbell meticulously analyzed court documents and interviewed former employees to uncover evidence of monopolistic tactics. Her reporting galvanized public opinion and contributed to the eventual breakup of the company under antitrust laws.
Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?
For main-purpose questions, first read the whole passage and then briefly restate, in your own words, what it is mostly doing (for example: “describing X and what happened because of it”). Next, scan the answer choices and cross out any that (1) focus on a side detail instead of the central idea, (2) ignore the ending or outcome of the passage, or (3) add a strong opinion (like heavy criticism) that the passage’s tone doesn’t support. Finally, choose the option that captures both the main subject and the overall effect or conclusion, not just one sentence or example.
Hints
Locate the main subject
Ask yourself: Is the passage mainly about Standard Oil, about court cases, or about Ida Tarbell and her work? Look at how the first sentence frames the topic.
Separate details from the big picture
The passage mentions specific things like court documents and former employees. Are these the central focus, or are they examples used to describe something broader?
Consider the ending of the passage
The last sentence describes what happened because of Tarbell’s reporting. How should that influence your understanding of the overall purpose?
Check if an option covers the whole passage
Look for the choice that includes both what Tarbell did and what resulted from her actions, not just one of those pieces.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify who and what the passage is mainly about
Read the first sentence: it introduces journalist Ida Tarbell and her series of articles investigating the practices of the Standard Oil Company. This tells you the passage is centered on Tarbell and her investigation, not on Standard Oil alone or on legal history in general.
Notice how Tarbell’s work is described
The second sentence explains how she did her work: she analyzed court documents and interviewed former employees to uncover monopolistic tactics. This shows the passage is summarizing the nature of her investigative reporting, not giving detailed instructions on how to use court documents or focusing solely on legal tactics.
Pay attention to the outcome or impact mentioned
The last sentence says her reporting galvanized public opinion and contributed to the eventual breakup of the company under antitrust laws. That means the passage doesn’t stop at describing her methods; it also explains the effect or impact of her work on Standard Oil.
Match the answer choice to both the description and the impact
The best answer must (1) describe Tarbell’s investigative work and (2) capture the impact it had on Standard Oil. Choice B, “To summarize Ida Tarbell's investigative work and its impact on Standard Oil,” is the only option that clearly includes both of these main elements, so B is correct.