Question

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871
On the evening of October 8, 1871, a massive fire broke out in the city of Chicago, Illinois. Fueled by strong winds and wooden buildings, the fire spread quickly, burning for more than two days. When it finally stopped, over 17,000 buildings were destroyed, and nearly 100,000 people were left homeless.

Many stories circulated about how the fire started, including the tale of a cow kicking over a lantern in a barn. However, no one knows the true cause. What is certain is that the fire had a lasting impact on the city and the people who lived there.

After the disaster, Chicago rebuilt itself using brick and stone instead of wood, which helped prevent future fires. The tragedy also led to changes in how cities prepared for emergencies. Today, the Great Chicago Fire is remembered as both a warning and an example of how people can rebuild after hardship.

Question
What are the author’s main purposes in writing this passage?
Responses
A To describe how a fire started and explain how people can prevent wildfiresTo describe how a fire started and explain how people can prevent wildfires
B To entertain readers with a fictional version of a famous fireTo entertain readers with a fictional version of a famous fire
C To inform readers about a historical event and highlight how the city respondedTo inform readers about a historical event and highlight how the city responded
D To persuade readers to visit Chicago to see what was rebuiltTo persuade readers to visit Chicago to see what was rebuilt
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The Great Chicago Fire of 1871
On the evening of October 8, 1871, a massive fire broke out in the city of Chicago, Illinois. Fueled by strong winds and wooden buildings, the fire spread quickly, burning for more than two days. When it finally stopped, over 17,000 buildings were destroyed, and nearly 100,000 people were left homeless.

Many stories circulated about how the fire started, including the tale of a cow kicking over a lantern in a barn. However, no one knows the true cause. What is certain is that the fire had a lasting impact on the city and the people who lived there.

After the disaster, Chicago rebuilt itself using brick and stone instead of wood, which helped prevent future fires. The tragedy also led to changes in how cities prepared for emergencies. Today, the Great Chicago Fire is remembered as both a warning and an example of how people can rebuild after hardship.

Question
What are the author’s main purposes in writing this passage?
Responses
A To describe how a fire started and explain how people can prevent wildfiresTo describe how a fire started and explain how people can prevent wildfires
B To entertain readers with a fictional version of a famous fireTo entertain readers with a fictional version of a famous fire
C To inform readers about a historical event and highlight how the city respondedTo inform readers about a historical event and highlight how the city responded
D To persuade readers to visit Chicago to see what was rebuiltTo persuade readers to visit Chicago to see what was rebuilt
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Answer 1

Correct answer: C

The passage gives factual information about the Great Chicago Fire and emphasizes how the city rebuilt (using brick and stone) and changed emergency preparations — it informs readers about a historical event and highlights the city's response. Options A, B, and D do not match the passage's main purpose.