While the invention of the steamboat is often attributed to American inventor Robert Fulton, credit should really go to John Fitch. Fitch built four steamboats in the late eighteenth century. These boats traveled successfully on lakes and rivers and proved that steam could be used to propel boats. Fitch’s boats included more traditional elements as well, such as paddle wheels and screw propellers. By blending tried and true methods of propulsion with new technology, Fitch created functioning steamboats. He forfeited his place in American memory due not to any mechanical failings, but to financial ones. His production and operating costs were too high to make steam travel economically feasible. As a result, many people have forgotten his role in the invention of the steamboat. It wasn’t until after his death that Robert Fulton created a commercially successful steamboat and became known as “the father of steam navigation.”
Which of the following sentences should be included in a summary of the text?
(1 point)
Responses
John Fitch combined old methods of constructing boats with new technology to create the first steamboats.
John Fitch combined old methods of constructing boats with new technology to create the first steamboats.
Fitch's boats cost too much to make.
Fitch's boats cost too much to make.
I think that it would be fun to ride on a steamboat someday.
I think that it would be fun to ride on a steamboat someday.
It wasn’t until after his death that Robert Fulton created a commercially successful steamboat and became known as “the father of steam navigation.”
It wasn’t until after his death that Robert Fulton created a commercially successful steamboat and became known as “the father of steam navigation.”
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1 answer
The sentence that should be included in a summary of the text is:
"John Fitch combined old methods of constructing boats with new technology to create the first steamboats."
This sentence captures the main point about Fitch's contributions to the invention of the steamboat. The other sentences either provide specific details or opinions that are not essential to the summary.
