Question

Read the excerpt from We Shall Not Be Moved.

Many of the workers were still penniless from the dull summer season, and had never bought warm clothes. They wore short little jackets or sweaters, their best shirtwaists, and their largest hats, those with the most elaborate decorations. They thought of themselves as representing their union to the rest of the world, therefore a good appearance was important. So they marched in twos and threes, shivering, and holding their signs aloft.

Which best states the author’s purpose for including information about the appearance of the striking workers in the text?

to show the pride the workers had in their union
to show the irresponsibility of the workers in the union
to show the workers’ interest in fashion trends
to show the workers’ inability to get weather information

Answer 1

to show the pride the workers had in their union

The passage explains they dressed in their best clothes despite poverty because they believed they were representing their union, indicating pride and a desire to make a good impression.