Understanding

Scope

Session 11
& Deriving
Main Point
of a Passage

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 What is the
Main
Point?

The central The author’s primary

idea/theme/topic purpose behind writing
conveyed in the passage the passage

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 Single sentence synopsis of the passage -
expresses the intent of the full passage

Characteristics Covers the entire passage - is not just about

a single idea, an example or paragraph in
of Main Point the passage.

It is precise: It most likely will not contain

any specific detail that is outlined in the
passage

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 The motive of the to arrive at a main
passage ? point

How? Discuss different

aspects of main idea
How to
derive the Different paragraphs
So? cover different
Main Point aspects

Hence, Each para converges

into main idea

• Map passage -make

Therefore, para summaries
• Arrive at main idea

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 Follow the
Involved and Evolved Reading
approach

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 Passage 1

The fields of antebellum (pre-Civil War) political history and women’s history use separate sources
and focus on separate issues. Political historians, examining sources such as voting records,
newspapers, and politicians’ writings, focus on the emergence in the 1840’s of a new “American
political nation,” and since women were neither voters nor politicians, they receive little discussion.
Women’s historians, meanwhile, have shown little interest in the subject of party politics, instead
drawing on personal papers, legal records such as wills, and records of female associations to
illuminate women’s domestic lives, their moral reform activities, and the emergence of the
woman’s rights movement.
However, most historians have underestimated the extent and significance of women’s political
allegiance in the antebellum period. For example, in the presidential election campaigns of the
1840’s, the Virginia Whig party strove to win the allegiance of Virginia’s women by inviting them to
rallies and speeches. According to Whig propaganda, women who turned out at the party’s rallies
gathered information that enabled them to mold party-loyal families, reminded men of moral
values that transcended party loyalty, and conferred moral standing on the party. Virginia
Democrats, in response, began to make similar appeals to women as well. By the mid-1850’s the
inclusion of women in the rituals of party politics had become commonplace and the ideology
that justified such inclusion had been assimilated by the Democrats.

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 Passage 1
The fields of antebellum (pre-Civil War) political history and women’s history use separate sources and focus on separate issues. Political historians,

examining sources such as voting records, newspapers, and politicians’ writings, focus on the emergence in the 1840’s of a new “American political

nation,” and since women were neither voters nor politicians, they receive little discussion. Women’s historians, meanwhile, have shown little interest

in the subject of party politics, instead drawing on personal papers, legal records such as wills, and records of female associations to illuminate

women’s domestic lives, their moral reform activities, and the emergence of the woman’s rights movement.

However, most historians have underestimated the extent and significance of women’s political allegiance in the antebellum period. For example, in
the presidential election campaigns of the 1840’s, the Virginia Whig party strove to win the allegiance of Virginia’s women by inviting them to rallies
and speeches. According to Whig propaganda, women who turned out at the party’s rallies gathered information that enabled them to mold party-
loyal families, reminded men of moral values that transcended party loyalty, and conferred moral standing on the party. Virginia Democrats, in

response, began to make similar appeals to women as well. By the mid-1850’s the inclusion of women in the rituals of party politics had become

commonplace and the ideology that justified such inclusion had been assimilated by the Democrats.

? The primary purpose of the passage as a whole is to

A examine the tactics of antebellum political parties with regard to women

B establish the effect of women’s involvement in politics in the antebellum period

C present a deficiency in the study of a particular historical period

D discuss the ideologies of opposing antebellum political parties

E analyse the methodologies in two differing fields of historical inquiry

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 First Paragraph

The fields of antebellum (pre-Civil War) political history and women’s history use separate sources and focus on separate
issues. Political historians, examining sources such as voting records, newspapers, and politicians’ writings, focus on the
emergence in the 1840’s of a new “American political nation,” and since women were neither voters nor politicians, they
receive little discussion. Women’s historians, meanwhile, have shown little interest in the subject of party politics, instead
drawing on personal papers, legal records such as wills, and records of female associations to illuminate women’s domestic
lives, their moral reform activities, and the emergence of the woman’s rights movement.

 Sources & Focus of pre-civil war PH & WH are different

 PH sources public docs and focuses on politics but not on women as women were apolitical

 WH sources personal docs and focuses on women’s personal movements but not on politics

Summary :  Both PH and WH leave out one aspect of history while focussing exclusively on
another – result: very little written about women’s political engagement

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 Second Paragraph
However, most historians have underestimated the extent and significance of women’s political allegiance in the
antebellum period. For example, in the presidential election campaigns of the 1840’s, the Virginia Whig party strove to win
the allegiance of Virginia’s women by inviting them to rallies and speeches. According to Whig propaganda, women who
turned out at the party’s rallies gathered information that enabled them to mold party-loyal families, reminded men of
moral values that transcended party loyalty, and conferred moral standing on the party. Virginia Democrats, in response,
began to make similar appeals to women as well. By the mid-1850’s the inclusion of women in the rituals of party politics
had become commonplace and the ideology that justified such inclusion had been assimilated by the Democrats.

 “However” indicates some contrast with the ideas mentioned in the previous paragraph
 Author’ opinion: Majority of historians have downplay women’s role in politics in antebellum period

 Example given to support author’s opinion: example shows how women played a big role in politics.

Summary : Although women played an important role in politics in antebellum period, most
historians have downplayed that role.

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 Using Para summaries to derive main point

PARA SUMMARIES MAIN POINT

The fields of antebellum (pre-Civil War) political history
and women’s history use separate sources and focus on
separate issues. Political historians, examining sources
such as voting records, newspapers, and politicians’
writings, focus on the emergence in the 1840’s of a new In antebellum period, both PH and WH left out one
“American political nation,” and since women were
aspect of history while focussing exclusively on
Map the
neither voters nor politicians, they receive little discussion.
Women’s historians, meanwhile, have shown little interest
in the subject of party politics, instead drawing on
another – result: very little written about women’s
political engagement

passage to
personal papers, legal records such as wills, and records of
female associations to illuminate women’s domestic lives,
their moral reform activities, and the emergence of the In the antebellum period,
derive main
woman’s rights movement.

However, most historians have underestimated the extent

different
focussed
historians
differently
have
on
women’s political involvement
point…
and significance of women’s political allegiance in the
antebellum period. For example, in the presidential
election campaigns of the 1840’s, the Virginia Whig party
but by and large, they have
downplayed that role.
strove to win the allegiance of Virginia’s women by
inviting them to rallies and speeches. According to Whig
propaganda, women who turned out at the party’s rallies
gathered information that enabled them to mold party-
loyal families, reminded men of moral values that Although women played an important role in
transcended party loyalty, and conferred moral standing politics in antebellum period, most historians
on the party. Virginia Democrats, in response, began to downplay that role.
make similar appeals to women as well. By the mid-1850’s
the inclusion of women in the rituals of party politics had
become commonplace and the ideology that justified
such inclusion had been assimilated by the
Democrats.
 Passage 1
The fields of antebellum (pre-Civil War) political history and women’s history use separate sources and focus on separate issues. Political historians, examining

sources such as voting records, newspapers, and politicians’ writings, focus on the emergence in the 1840’s of a new “American political nation,” and since women

were neither voters nor politicians, they receive little discussion. Women’s historians, meanwhile, have shown little interest in the subject of party politics, instead

drawing on personal papers, legal records such as wills, and records of female associations to illuminate women’s domestic lives, their moral reform activities, and

the emergence of the woman’s rights movement.

However, most historians have underestimated the extent and significance of women’s political allegiance in the antebellum period. For example, in the

presidential election campaigns of the 1840’s, the Virginia Whig party strove to win the allegiance of Virginia’s women by inviting them to rallies and speeches.

According to Whig propaganda, women who turned out at the party’s rallies gathered information that enabled them to mold party-loyal families, reminded men

of moral values that transcended party loyalty, and conferred moral standing on the party. Virginia Democrats, in response, began to make similar appeals to

women as well. By the mid-1850’s the inclusion of women in the rituals of party politics had become commonplace and the ideology that justified such inclusion

had been assimilated by the Democrats. In the antebellum period, different historians have focussed differently on women’s political
involvement but by and large, they have downplayed that role.

? The primary purpose of the passage as a whole is to

A examine the tactics of antebellum political parties with regard to women Confusing word, Limited Scope

B establish the effect of women’s involvement in politics in the antebellum period Confusing word, Distortion
C present a deficiency in the study of a particular historical period

D discuss the ideologies of opposing antebellum political parties Limited scope

E analyse the methodologies in two differing fields of historical inquiry Confusing word, Limited Scope

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 Passage 1
The fields of antebellum (pre-Civil War) political history and women’s history use separate sources and focus on separate issues . Political historians, examining
sources such as voting records, newspapers, and politicians’ writings, focus on the emergence in the 1840’s of a new “American political nation,” and since women
were neither voters nor politicians, they receive little discussion. Women’s historians, meanwhile, have shown little interest in the subject of party politics, instead
drawing on personal papers, legal records such as wills, and records of female associations to illuminate women’s domestic lives, their moral reform activities, and
the emergence of the woman’s rights movement.

However, most historians have underestimated the extent and significance of women’s political allegiance in the antebellum period. For example, in the
presidential election campaigns of the 1840’s, the Virginia Whig party strove to win the allegiance of Virginia’s women by inviting them to rallies and speeches.
According to Whig propaganda, women who turned out at the party’s rallies gathered information that enabled them to mold party-loyal families, reminded men
of moral values that transcended party loyalty, and conferred moral standing on the party. Virginia Democrats, in response, began to make similar appeals to
women as well. By the mid-1850’s the inclusion of women in the rituals of party politics had become commonplace and the ideology that justified such inclusion
had been assimilated by the Democrats.

In the antebellum period, different historians have focussed differently on women’s political involvement but by and large, they have
downplayed that role.

? The author of the passage would be most likely to agree with which of the following statements regarding most historians of the antebellum
period?

A They have failed to adequately contrast the differing roles that women played in the Democratic and Whig parties in the 1850’s.

B They have failed to see that political propaganda advocating women’s political involvement did not reflect the reality of women’s actual roles

C They have incorrectly assumed that women’s party loyalty played a small role in Whig and Democratic party politics

D They have misinterpreted descriptions of women’s involvement in party politics in records of female associations and women’s personal

E They have overlooked the role that women’s political activities played in the woman’s rights movement .

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 Passage 2

Although many lines of evidence indicate that birds evolved from ground-dwelling theropod dinosaurs, some
scientists remain unconvinced. They argue that theropods appeared too late to have given rise to birds, noting
that Archaeopteryx lithographica—the oldest known bird—appears in the fossil record about 150 million years
ago, whereas the fossil remains of various non-avian maniraptor theropods—the closest known relatives of
birds—date only to about 115 million years ago. But investigators have now uncovered bones that evidently
belong to non-avian maniraptors dating to the time of Archaeopteryx. In any case, failure to find fossils of a
predicted kind does not rule out their existence in an undiscovered deposit. Skeptics also argue that the fused
clavicles (the "wishbone") of birds differ from the unfused clavicles of theropods. This objection was reasonable
when only early theropod clavicles had been discovered, but fossilized theropod clavicles that look just like the
wishbone of Archaeopteryx have now been unearthed. Finally, some scientists argue that the complex lungs of
birds could not have evolved from theropod lungs, an assertion that cannot be supported or falsified at the
moment, because no fossil lungs are preserved in the paleontological record

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 Passage 2
Although many lines of evidence indicate that birds evolved from ground-dwelling theropod dinosaurs, some scientists remain unconvinced. They argue that
theropods appeared too late to have given rise to birds, noting that Archaeopteryx lithographica—the oldest known bird—appears in the fossil record about 150
million years ago, whereas the fossil remains of various non-avian maniraptor theropods—the closest known relatives of birds—date only to about 115 million years
ago.
 Evidence exists to suggest birds evolved from TD. But some scientists disagree.
 Reason for disagreement: TD came much later as suggested by the older fossils of oldest known bird, AL

But investigators have now uncovered bones that evidently belong to non-avian maniraptors dating to the time of Archaeopteryx. In any case, failure to find fossils
of a predicted kind does not rule out their existence in an undiscovered deposit.
 But bones of TD dating to the time of earliest known bird, AL, have been found now.
 Author’s opinion: The absence of such fossil , however, does not mean such fossil does not exist.

Skeptics also argue that the fused clavicles (the "wishbone") of birds differ from the unfused clavicles of theropods. This objection was reasonable when only early
theropod clavicles had been discovered, but fossilized theropod clavicles that look just like the wishbone of Archaeopteryx have now been unearthed.

 Another reason for disagreement: Certain features of TD different from those of birds.
 Author’ opinion: Objection no longer valid because of new evidence unearthed.

Finally, some scientists argue that the complex lungs of birds could not have evolved from theropod lungs, an assertion that cannot be supported or falsified at the
moment, because no fossil lungs are preserved in the paleontological record
 Another reason for disagreement: another feature of birds, lungs, could not have come from TD ‘s lungs
 Author’s opinion: No evidence to confirm or falsify this belief.

Summary : Author rejects the various arguments offered by disbelieving scientists.

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 Passage 2
Although many lines of evidence indicate that birds evolved from ground-dwelling theropod dinosaurs, some scientists remain unconvinced. They
argue that theropods appeared too late to have given rise to birds, noting that Archaeopteryx lithographica—the oldest known bird—appears in the
fossil record about 150 million years ago, whereas the fossil remains of various non-avian maniraptor theropods—the closest known relatives of
birds—date only to about 115 million years ago. But investigators have now uncovered bones that evidently belong to non-avian maniraptors dating
to the time of Archaeopteryx. In any case, failure to find fossils of a predicted kind does not rule out their existence in an undiscovered deposit.
Skeptics also argue that the fused clavicles (the "wishbone") of birds differ from the unfused clavicles of theropods. This objection was reasonable
when only early theropod clavicles had been discovered, but fossilized theropod clavicles that look just like the wishbone of Archaeopteryx have now
been unearthed. Finally, some scientists argue that the complex lungs of birds could not have evolved from theropod lungs, an assertion that cannot
be supported or falsified at the moment, because no fossil lungs are preserved in the paleontological record

Summary : Author rejects the various arguments offered by disbelieving scientists.

? The primary purpose of the passage is to

A compare the development of two hypotheses concerning the evolutionary origin of birds Confusing word.

B suggest revisions to the standard theory of the evolutionary history of birds Out of scope.

C evaluate the usefulness of fossil evidence in determining the evolutionary history of birds Confusing word.

D challenge the theory that birds evolved from ground-dwelling theropod dinosaurs Confusing word.

E respond to criticisms of the theory that birds evolved from ground-dwelling theropod dinosaurs.

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 Passage 3

In the wealth of nations (1776), Scottish economist Adam Smith asserted that the propensity of “truck, barter and exchange”
was both the foundation of commerce and a given quality of human nature, driven by individual desire. Smith’s view that
self-interest dominated the business that emerged in early modern (sixteenth- and seventeenth century) England has had
tremendous effects on how such relations have been perceived. Today it is typically assumed, for instance, that the
development of business relations weakened the spirit of cooperation that characterized village communities and
encouraged a spirit of individualism and self-betterment that ran counter to community interest.

 Per Smith, business in early modern England was driven by self-interest of individuals.

 This view of Smith’s has impacted how people have viewed business relations
Weakened
 Example of the above impact: Typical belief is that business relations have discouraged cooperation in
communities and given rise to a spirit of self-interest that is against community interest.

Summary :  Smith’s views have greatly coloured the beliefs of people about business relations
– how they engender self-interest and break up communities

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 Passage 3
However, such a view fails to account for the language that people in early modern England used to articulate their
understanding of business relations, language that stressed credit, trust, obligations, and contracts, rather than self-interest.
Throughout this period, most business transactions were conducted on credit—of plain dealing and of the keeping of
promises —dominated the way in which business relations were conceived. Individual profit and solvency were important,
but neither could be achieved without the trust and direct cooperation of one’s neighbours. As a result, buying and selling,
far from breaking up communities, actually created numerous bonds that held villages together

 Author’ opinion: Such belief overlooks the use of the language of trust and credit in business relations-

 most businesses were run on credit and promises.

 business relations were viewed as “plain dealing”, “keeping of promises”

 Self-interest could not be achieved without trusting others in the community.

 Thus, business relations actually engendered bonds in communities.

Summary : However, in reality, business relations brought communities together

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 Using Para summaries to derive main point

PARA SUMMARIES MAIN POINT

In the wealth of nations (1776), Scottish economist Adam
Smith asserted that the propensity of “truck, barter and
exchange” was both the foundation of commerce and a
given quality of human nature, driven by individual desire.
Smith’s view that self-interest dominated the business Smith’s views have greatly coloured the beliefs of
that emerged in early modern (sixteenth- and people about business relations/commerce– how
Map the
seventeenth century) England has had tremendous
effects on how such relations have been perceived. Today
it is typically assumed, for instance, that the development
they engender self-interest and break up
communities

passage to
of business relations weakened the spirit of cooperation
that characterized village communities and encouraged a
spirit of individualism and self-betterment that ran Although Smith’s views, about

derive main
counter to community interest.
.
business relations breaking up
communities,
public
influenced
perception of

point…
However, such a view fails to account for the language
that people in early modern England used to articulate
their understanding of business relations, language that
commerce, the reality is,
business relations brought
communities together.
stressed credit, trust, obligations, and contracts, rather
than self-interest. Throughout this period, most business
transactions were conducted on credit—of plain dealing
and of the keeping of promises —dominated the way in
which business relations were conceived. Individual profit However, in reality, commerce/business relations
and solvency were important, but neither could be brought communities together
achieved without the trust and direct cooperation of one’s
neighbours. As a result, buying and selling, far from
breaking up communities, actually created numerous
bonds that held villages together
 Passage 3
In the wealth of nations (1776), Scottish economist Adam Smith asserted that the propensity of “truck, barter and exchange” was both the foundation

of commerce and a given quality of human nature, driven by individual desire. Smith’s view that self-interest dominated the business that emerged

in early modern (sixteenth- and seventeenth century) England has had tremendous effects on how such relations have been perceived. Today it is

typically assumed, for instance, that the development of business relations weakened the spirit of cooperation that characterized village

communities and encouraged a spirit of individualism and self-betterment that ran counter to community interest.

However, such a view fails to account for the language that people in early modern England used to articulate their understanding of business
relations, language that stressed credit, trust, obligations, and contracts, rather than self-interest. Throughout this period, most business transactions
were conducted on credit—of plain dealing and of the keeping of promises —dominated the way in which business relations were conceived.
Individual profit and solvency were important, but neither could be achieved without the trust and direct cooperation of one’s neighbours. As a result,

buying and selling, far from breaking up communities, actually created numerous bonds that held villages together
Although Smith’s views, about commerce breaking up communities, influenced public perception of commerce, the reality is, business
. relations brought communities together.

? The. passage is primarily concerned with which of the following?

A Criticizing a theory of human nature CW, Distortion

B Evaluating the impact of a particular economist on modern theories of economic history Limited scope

C Chronicling the early history of the use of credit in business relations CW, Out of Scope
D Reconsidering accepted ideas about the history of business relations

E Explaining the decline of cooperation in village communities CW, Distortion

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 Passage 3
In the wealth of nations (1776), Scottish economist Adam Smith asserted that the propensity of “truck, barter and exchange” was both the foundation

of commerce and a given quality of human nature, driven by individual desire. Smith’s view that self-interest dominated the business that emerged

in early modern (sixteenth- and seventeenth century) England has had tremendous effects on how such relations have been perceived. Today it is

typically assumed, for instance, that the development of business relations weakened the spirit of cooperation that characterized village

communities and encouraged a spirit of individualism and self-betterment that ran counter to community interest.

However, such a view fails to account for the language that people in early modern England used to articulate their understanding of business
relations, language that stressed credit, trust, obligations, and contracts, rather than self-interest. Throughout this period, most business transactions
were conducted on credit—of plain dealing and of the keeping of promises —dominated the way in which business relations were conceived.
Individual profit and solvency were important, but neither could be achieved without the trust and direct cooperation of one’s neighbours. As a result,

buying and selling, far from breaking up communities, actually created numerous bonds that held villages together
Although Smith’s views, about commerce breaking up communities, influenced public perception of commerce, the reality is, business
. relations brought communities together.
. be inferred that the author of the passage believes that economic historians whose views have been influenced by Adam Smith have
? It can
failed to examine which of the following?

A Distortion & Half-Truth

The power of business relations to shape moral values and beliefs

B The significance of human nature in shaping economic developments and social structure Distortion & Half-Truth

C The importance of village communities in determining the economic well-being of larger society Out of Scope
D The consequence of individual communities of changes in a country’s economic structure Out of Scope

E The actual language used by people in village communities to refer to their business dealings

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