The Iditarod, often called the “Last Great Race,” is an annual sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome in Alaska. It begins the first Saturday in March, and it usually takes teams between nine and fifteen days to reach the finish. The race is a salute to the “Great Race of Mercy” in 1925. This tribute refers to a relay of sled dogs that delivered medication to Nome during a diphtheria outbreak. These dogs saved many lives. The modern Iditarod did not begin until 1973.

Question

An Iditarod team on part of the course near Nome
Each team involves a driver and up to sixteen dogs. The driver is called a musher. Teams mostly come from Alaska. However, there have been participants from fourteen countries. The dogs, typically Siberian huskies, are harnessed to a sled upon which the musher stands. At least six members of the team must be in the harness when crossing the finish line. Siberian huskies are not only used for their strength and endurance but also for their speed, tough feet, and positive attitude. These are dogs with the desire to run.

The race is grueling. The course can run through blizzards with whiteout conditions. Temperatures might creep far below zero with wind chills reaching -100°F. These conditions, in addition to the strenuous physical activity, increase the risk of injury to the dogs. As such, there are 26 mandatory checkpoints that are all staffed with veterinarians. Mushers must take two rests of eight hours and one of 24 hours to rest their dogs at three of these checkpoints.

Which of the following statements belong in an objective summary of the text? Select all that apply.

The Iditarod began as a tribute to sled dogs who delivered important medication to Nome.

The Iditarod can run through blizzard conditions that can pose dangers.

The Iditarod should be abolished because conditions can be dangerous for the dogs.

Siberian huskies are the best kind of dog to use in the Iditarod.

Answer 1

The following statements belong in an objective summary of the text:

1. The Iditarod began as a tribute to sled dogs who delivered important medication to Nome.
2. The Iditarod can run through blizzard conditions that can pose dangers.

The other two statements express opinions rather than objective facts and therefore do not belong in an objective summary.