Question

Text:
In 1845, Elias Howe patented the first functional sewing machine, gaining fame and profit. However, Walter Hunt had invented a similar machine ten years earlier but did not patent it, fearing it would cause unemployment. Because Hunt never secured legal protection for his invention, history books largely credit Howe as the creator of the sewing machine.
Question:
Which choice most logically completes the text?
A) Elias Howe’s machine was far more efficient than Walter Hunt’s original design.
B) Inventors often fear the social consequences of their own creations.
C) The formal recognition of an inventor is heavily reliant on legal documentation.
D) Walter Hunt was not actually interested in profiting from his invention.

Answer 1

C) The formal recognition of an inventor is heavily reliant on legal documentation.

Explanation: The passage explains that Hunt invented the machine earlier but didn't patent it, so because he never secured legal protection, history credits Howe—showing recognition depended on legal documentation.