Elijah McCoy's Innovations and Impact

What is your Name?

How did the job of being a fireman and an oilman on a train change Elijah McCoy's life?

Answer explanation

Excellent! You recognized that working on trains gave McCoy firsthand knowledge of the problems engines faced, inspiring him to invent a better lubrication system. This job helped him see the need for innovation.

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CCSS.RI.11-12.10

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Imagine you are creating a museum exhibit about Elijah McCoy. What key message or theme would you want visitors to remember, and why?

Answer explanation

Great! Your chosen theme about perseverance, innovation, or overcoming obstacles shows a deep understanding of McCoy’s life and achievements. You explained why this message is important, making it meaningful.

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CCSS.RI.4.9

CCSS.RI.5.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

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Why was Elijah's invention successful?

Answer explanation

Nice work! You explained that his automatic lubricator saved time and money by keeping engines running smoothly without frequent stops, which made it practical and widely adopted.

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CCSS.RI.4.9

CCSS.RI.5.9

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What did Elijah's name come to mean?

• "The real McCoy" became known as the real thing, not a duplicate

• "The real McCoy" became known as a household name

• "The real McCoy" became known as a historical figure

• "The real McCoy" became known as an invention

Answer explanation

Correct! You identified that “the real McCoy” means the genuine article or the best quality, showing how his invention earned a reputation for excellence.

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CCSS.RL.7.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

How did McCoy’s invention improve the efficiency of trains during his time?

• The trains traveled slower but further

• The trains didn't last long

• It made trains more efficient

• Trains became more popular

Answer explanation

Good job! You pointed out that the lubricator allowed trains to run longer without stopping for manual oiling, reducing delays and maintenance, which improved overall efficiency.

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CCSS.RI.3.5

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Why do you think McCoy’s name became associated with the phrase “the real McCoy”? Do you believe this was justified? Explain your reasoning.

Answer explanation

Well done! You explained that McCoy’s invention was original, high-quality, and reliable, which made people trust it more than copies. Your reasoning shows a clear connection between his work and the phrase

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CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

If Elijah McCoy had not created his lubrication device, how might the development of transportation have been different?

Answer explanation

Excellent! You thought about possible delays or inefficiencies in train travel without the invention and how it might have slowed industrial progress.

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CCSS.RI.3.3

CCSS.RI.4.3

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CCSS.RI.7.3

What is the central idea of the passage “A High-Quality Inventory: Elijah McCoy”? Support your answer with details from the text.

Answer explanation

Great! You identified the central idea as McCoy’s innovation and perseverance leading to an important invention, and you used specific details from the text to support your answer.

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CCSS.RI.5.2

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How does the author use McCoy’s life story to highlight the importance of perseverance and innovation?

• By only listing McCoy’s patents without explaining their use

• By focusing on McCoy’s childhood and school experiences

• By showing that McCoy continued to invent despite racial and job discrimination

• By describing how McCoy gave up when he couldn’t find a job as an engineer

Answer explanation

Nice explanation! You showed how McCoy faced challenges but kept working and inventing, which teaches readers that perseverance leads to success and important discoveries.

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CCSS.RI.6.6

CCSS.RI.6.9

CCSS.RL.4.6

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CCSS.RL.6.6