Question

in the past, many people doubted that women could run long distances. but in 1967, kathrine switzer proved them wrong by becoming the first woman to run the 26.2 - mile boston marathon. her actions set a precedent for future female athletes. her example showed women that they could compete in the same sporting events as men. today, thousands of women from around the world run in the boston marathon each year. which phrase best describes the meaning of precedent?
a) an action to be questioned by others
b) an attempt to outperform others
c) a chance to meet up with others
d) a model to be followed by others

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "precedent" in the context, we analyze the options:

• Option 1: "an action to be questioned by others" doesn't fit, as Kathrine's action was a positive example, not one to be questioned.
• Option 2: "an attempt to outperform others" is incorrect, as the passage is about her example enabling future women, not outperforming.
• Option 3: "a chance to meet up with others" is irrelevant to the context of her achievement setting an example.
• Option 4: "a model to be followed by others" matches, as her running the marathon showed women could compete, and now thousands follow her example (run in the marathon).

Answer:

D. a model to be followed by others