Question

the operatives work thirteen hours a day in the summer time, and from daylight to dark in the winter. at half past four in the morning the factory bell rings, and at five the girls must be in the mills. a clerk, placed as a watch, observes those who are a few minutes behind the time, and effectual means are taken to stimulate to punctuality. what is the main idea of this passage? working conditions in lowell were much better than those in england. workers in lowell worked extremely long hours in the factory. clerks ignored the workers if they arrived late to work. during the winter months, the workers were sent home.

Explanation:

The passage focuses on the long - working - hour situation of operatives in Lowell. It mentions working thirteen hours a day in summer and from daylight to dark in winter, as well as strict time - keeping (factory bell and clerk for punctuality). There is no comparison with England's working conditions (so the first option is wrong). The text says clerks observe late - comers and take means for punctuality, not ignore (so the third option is wrong). It also doesn't say workers are sent home in winter (so the fourth option is wrong).

Answer:

Workers in Lowell worked extremely long hours in the factory.