Question

While working on Winning Ways, my social history of American women in sports, I came across an item about Jane Yatman and Jane Lindsay, who took turns holding long-distance cycling records over and over again in 1899. I also read the reflections of Frances Willard, president of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, on how and why she learned to ride a bicycle at age 53. Both suggested there was a story to be told about women and bicycles at the turn of the century. It proved to be a colorful story indeed.

—Introduction to Wheels of Change,
Sue Macy

Based on the central idea of this passage, what is the purpose of including it in the introduction?

to entertain readers with stories about women and bicycles
to discuss the topics readers will encounter in the book
to give readers background about why the author took an interest in the story
to inform readers of the author’s feelings toward women and cycling

Answer 1

to give readers background about why the author took an interest in the story

The passage explains how specific discoveries (Yatman/Lindsay, Frances Willard) sparked the author's curiosity and led her to explore the broader story, so it contextualizes her interest.