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.

Which of the following best describes how the author concludes the passage?
A By listing causes of fires in other cities
B By offering a warning about the future
C By reminding readers of the rebuilding and lessons learned
D By returning to the mystery of how the fire started

Answer 1

C

The final sentences emphasize how the city rebuilt (using brick and stone) and that the fire led to changes in emergency preparation—highlighting lessons learned and rebuilding after the disaster.