Question

question 1-15
this excerpt is from the memoirs of luzena stanley wilson, who traveled from missouri to sacramento, california, with her family in 1849.
\we bought an interest in the hotel, which stood on what is now known as k street. the kitchen was my special area. it was a motley crowd that gathered every day at my table, but respect was given to me. women were scarce in those days. i lived six months in sacramento and saw only two women. there was no time for visiting or gossiping. it was hard work from daylight till dark, and sometimes long after. yes, we worked; we did things our servants would now look at and say it was impossible for a woman to do. later the \flush\ times came, when the miners and everyone had money.
motley crowd: mixed group of diverse people
\flush\ times: times when people had abundant amounts of money
use the excerpt to answer the question.
which statement best explains why women like luzena stanley wilson decided to move west during the california gold rush?
○ women could manage mines and oversee the work of miners.
○ women could earn income by cooking and washing for miners.
○ women could work side by side with men in the mines.
○ women could learn new ideas and skills from the men in the mines.

Explanation:

The excerpt states Luzena's kitchen was a special area with a motley crowd (miners) daily, and later "flush" times (abundant money) came. The option "Women could earn income by cooking and washing for miners" aligns: her kitchen work (cooking, serving) would let her earn as women were scarce, so miners relied on her services for income. Other options don't match: she didn't manage mines (A), work in mines (C), or learn from men (D).

Answer:

B. Women could earn income by cooking and washing for miners.