Given the enormous amount of paperwork that needed to be done at Ellis Island, it comes as no surprise that dozens and dozens of clerks and stenographers were employed there.

Question

The details in the sentence are most likely meant to

question the need for so much paperwork at Ellis Island.
judge the quality of work done by clerks and stenographers.
explain why a large number of employees was necessary.
express the feelings of hired clerks and stenographers.

Answer 1

The details in the sentence are most likely meant to explain why a large number of employees was necessary. The mention of the "enormous amount of paperwork" implies that a significant workforce was required to handle that volume of work efficiently.