Question

read the dictionary entry for vital.
vital /vītəl/ adj.

1. relating to life 2. urgently needed
2. of critical importance 4. fatal

which definition most closely matches the meaning of vital as it is used in paragraph 4?
a definition 1
b definition 2
c definition 3
d definition 4

the role of railroads

1. the network of railroads played a vital role in the movement. without the network, this plan would not have come to realization, much less conceived. an essential aspect of the plan was to find homes in rural areas where the children would find a clean environment and healthy food. the trains were able to reach far off places to find homes for children and went as far as canada and mexico.

challenges faced by the movement

1. despite the organizers good intentions, the movement faced a host of problems from the get - go. often, the journey from new york to the destination was quite uncomfortable for the children. they were not told where they were being taken to and for what purpose. many journeys were several days long.

orphan train, 1904

Explanation:

To determine the correct definition of "vital" in paragraph 4, we analyze the context: the railroad network was crucial for the movement's success (the plan wouldn't have been realized without it). "Of critical importance" (Definition 3) matches this meaning. Definition 1 (relating to life) is too narrow, Definition 2 (urgently needed) doesn't fit the context of importance to the plan's success, and Definition 4 (fatal) is irrelevant.

Answer:

C. Definition 3