Question

5g understanding what you read
the last great race on earth
it was the ultimate insult to nydia velázquez. someone had released her medical records to the opposing campaign, and they had used the sensitive information against her in the 1992 race for the house of representatives. it was neither a kind nor humane way to run a campaign, but it was a reality nevertheless.
her opponent had suggested that among her attributes were both mental instability and depression. the newspaper reported that, according to her medical records, she had once attempted suicide. obviously, it was a way to suggest that velázquez was not fit to hold office. the goal was obviously to get her to forfeit her campaign. however,
velázquez knew that if she quit at this point, she would never forgive herself. from her childhood, she had dreamed of one day being in a position to help out others around her. she decided not to drop out of the race.
instead, velázquez quickly called a press conference. she decided to fight her opponents charges head on. she didnt deny anything. she told the reporters that yes, she had suffered from depression, but so had millions of other americans. in fact, 15% of americans battle major depression at some point in their lives. velázquez reported that she had undergone counseling, and that her mental health was now very good. she said she was saddened by the tactics her conservative opponents were using in order to win the race, but that she wouldnt stoop to their level. she also went on to say what she would do as a representative - that she would continue to advocate for better wages and a better way of life for the people of new york city.
nydia velázquez beat her opponents in the race for representative, and became the first puerto rican woman to serve in congress. since then, she has gone on to a career of great renown as a ranking member of congress.

1. what could be considered the main theme of the passage?

(a) depression
(b) overcoming difficulties
(c) winning
(d) being puerto rican

1. according to the text, the main strategy of velázquezs opponents was to argue that

(a) velásquez lacked experience, since she had never held office before
(b) a latin woman isnt fit for office
(c) velasquez shouldnt hold office because of her problems with depression
(d) she was too liberal to represent new yorkers

1. to \advocate for better wages\ means to

(a) talk about better conditions
(b) help employees join unions
(c) argue for higher pay
(d) strike for improved managers

1. why did velázquez note that 15% of americans will suffer from major depression at some point in their lives?

(a) to show that america has a major health care issue that must be addressed
(b) to encourage depressed individuals to seek help
(c) to show that she was strong and would fight her mental illness
(d) to demonstrate that she was not alone and shouldnt be considered an outcast

1. nydia velázquez is employed by

(a) a school district
(b) the government
(c) the press
(d) a hospital

Explanation:

The passage tells the story of Nydia Velázquez's political career, including her battle with depression, her campaign for Congress, and her work advocating for better wages and against stigma related to mental health. The main theme revolves around her resilience and advocacy despite facing personal and political challenges, which is closely related to the sub - field of Politics in Social Science.

1. The passage discusses Nydia Velázquez's political activities (running for Congress, advocating for better wages) and her personal struggle with depression which also has political implications (opponents using her medical records). This shows that the main theme is about her political journey and the issues she dealt with in the political arena.
2. Her opponents' strategy was to use her medical information (related to depression) against her, which is a political tactic.
3. "To advocate for better wages" means to speak up and work towards getting higher pay for workers, which is a political and social advocacy related to labor rights (a part of political and social issues).
4. Mentioning that 15% of Americans will suffer from major depression is a way to highlight a significant social and health issue that has political implications (need for better mental health care, which is a policy - related aspect).
5. Since she is a Congress member, her employment is by the government as Congress is part of the government structure.

Answer:

1. The main theme of the passage is related to her political career and the issues she faced in the political context.
2. (B) overcoming difficulties (her opponents used her medical records against her, which were difficulties in her campaign)
3. (A) talk about better conditions (advocating for better wages is part of talking about better working conditions)
4. (A) to show that America has a major health care issue that must be addressed (mentioning the percentage of Americans with depression is to highlight the health care need)
5. (B) the government (as a Congress member, she is employed by the government)