Question

read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.
skyscraper city
(image: patrpn building in manhattan)
1
in 1885, the 10 - story home insurance building in chicago was one of the first in a new class of tall buildings to be completed. these structures quickly grew in popularity, and by 1888 they became known as skyscrapers. new technological advances such as electric lighting and the mass production of steel beams helped make these buildings possible. steel was lighter and stronger than the brick and stone used before. now, a tall building’s weight could be supported by its steel skeleton rather than its stone walls, allowing for much greater height.
2
but who wanted to climb many flights of stairs to reach the sky? another invention that made skyscrapers practical at this time was the passenger elevator. passenger elevators were first manufactured in 1857 and powered by steam. by the 1880s
(question 12)
which statement is a key idea supported by the references to chicago and new york laws in paragraphs 3 and 9?
a architects have ultimately benefited from learning to adjust to limitations on their designs.
b developers of skyscrapers and owners of smaller buildings can find ways to help each other.
c the design of a building is often influenced by factors that are beyond the architect’s control.
d a community’s preferences and needs are reflected in the kinds of structures that are created.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the key idea from paragraphs 3 and 9 (though paragraph 3 isn't fully shown, the context about Chicago and New York laws relates to external factors influencing building design. Option D states a community’s preferences/needs are reflected in structures, which aligns with laws (a form of community - driven regulation) influencing design. Other options: A focuses on architects adjusting, not community influence; B on developers/owners helping, not relevant; C on design influenced by beyond - architect factors, but laws are part of community needs/preferences reflected in structures, so D is better.

Answer:

D. A community's preferences and needs are reflected in the kinds of structures that are created.