27. The primary purpose of the passage is to
Answer: D
Describe McCoy's success as an inventor
The passage primarily highlights Elijah McCoy's achievements as an inventor, detailing his successful development of lubricating devices and the establishment of his manufacturing company. It emphasizes the significance of his inventions and the impact they had on the industry, showcasing his success through the recognition he received.
A) Contrast McCoy's success with other inventors during the Civil War
This option is incorrect as the passage does not make any comparisons between McCoy and other inventors. Instead, it focuses solely on McCoy's achievements and contributions, without discussing or contrasting them with others.
B) Present a brief biography of McCoy
While the passage includes biographical elements, such as McCoy's patents and the founding of his company, it does not provide a comprehensive biography. The main focus is on his success as an inventor rather than a detailed life history.
C) Describe the development of one of McCoy's inventions
This option is partially correct, as the passage mentions McCoy's invention of the 'drip cup.' However, the primary focus is broader, centering on his overall success as an inventor rather than just on the specifics of one invention's development.
D) Describe McCoy's success as an inventor
This is the correct answer as the passage emphasizes McCoy's accomplishments by discussing the number of patents he received and the phrase 'the real McCoy' that became associated with his reliable inventions. It illustrates his prominence and success in the field of invention.
E) Discuss McCoy's contributions to the English language
Although the passage mentions the phrase 'the real McCoy' and its incorporation into the English language, this is not the main purpose of the passage. The focus is on McCoy's inventions and successes rather than his linguistic contributions.
Conclusion
The passage distinctly highlights Elijah McCoy's success as an inventor, outlining his innovative contributions and the recognition he garnered in the industry. Options A, B, C, and E either misinterpret the focus of the text or do not provide a comprehensive view of McCoy's accomplishments. Therefore, D is the best representation of the passage's primary purpose.