Biography - Mary Pennington

Which statement best describes the central idea of Paragraph 12?

• Pennington recommended the use of shipping companies.
• Pennington supervised her staff of fifty-five men.
• Pennington developed ways to keep foods from spoiling.
• Pennington solved many everyday problems.

The author describes Pennington's actions toward the public in Paragraph 6 to show that she is

• patient.
• responsible.
• suitable.
• thoughtful.

Which of these details is least important in the passage?

• Pennington was born in Nashville, Tennessee.
• Pennington met a man named Harvey W. Wiley.
• Pennington discovered an interest in science at a young age.
• Pennington used initials to sign her civil service examination.

What do the words lickety hoop in Paragraph 2 most likely mean in the sentence?

• all at once
• with much help
• after much thought
• with many problems

What is the main purpose of the quotation at the end of Paragraph 2?

• to teach the reader some important facts about chemistry
• to help the reader understand Pennington's early interest in science
• to explain the differences between chemistry and gardening as hobbies
• to show that the passage is nonfiction rather than fiction

How does the organizational pattern of Paragraph 10 help support the central idea of the article?

• by presenting events in chronological order
• by arguing a position and providing support
• by showing the cause of a problem and its effects
• by telling a story about family life during that era

Which sentence gives the best summary of the passage?

• Born in Tennessee, Mary Pennington would would eventually have a staff of fifty-five men working for her.
• It was unusual for a woman to study science at that time, but Mary Pennington had the support of her parents.
• Mary Pennington overcame obstacles to become a chemist whose work in food preservation improved the quality of life for many people.
• Mary Pennington graduated with a Ph.D. in chemistry, took the civil service exam, and went to work as a chemist for the U.S. government.

Which statement is supported by information in the passage?

• Universities do not offer enough science courses.
• It was once difficult for women to earn a degree.
• Refrigeration was the only focus of the Department of Agriculture.
• People are happiest when the adopt the same career as one of their parents. 

Read the list of topics for the first three paragraphs of the passage.
∴ Born in Tennessee, moved to Pennsylvania
∴ Interested in science during childhood
∴ Studied chemistry at the university
These topics indicate that this passage is organized by

• stating a cause and showing its effects.
• giving events in chronological order.
• listing information in order of importance.
• comparing one event to others.

Which quote provides the best evidence that Mary Pennington's gender was an obstacle in her career?

• "It was then unusual for a woman to study science."
• "Her school refused to award her one (degree) however because she was a woman."
• "Assuming she was a man, the officials in the Department of Agriculture gave her a job as a chemist."
• "Wiley thought she was so talented that she should also work for the U.S. Government."