The Triangle Factory Fire

The author’s main purpose in writing “Frances Perkins and the Triangle Factory Fire” is most likely to —

• present a sad and shocking account of a time before adequate safety regulations.

• offer a factual and persuasive argument for safety regulations.

• narrate a sorrowful and transforming event in the life of one person.

• describe the causes and effects of a tragic historical event.

Select the statement that best identifies the point of view of most of the quotes used in “Frances Perkins and the Triangle Factory Fire.”

• The quotes are mostly from the objective point of view, because they contain purely factual information.

• The quotes are mostly from the subjective point of view, because they contain thoughts and feelings.

• The quotes are mostly from the objective point of view, because they contain secondary source material.

• The quotes are mostly from the subjective point of view, because they contain rumors and formal language.

Select the statement that best describes how the author’s choice of words contributes to voice in the last paragraph of “Frances Perkins and the Triangle Factory Fire.”

• Words such as conventional and genteel contribute to a voice of indifference.

• Phrases such as rough and tumble contribute to a voice of anger.

• Words such as impatient and hardened contribute to a voice of sadness.

• Phrases such as threw herself and pinioned herself contribute to a voice of determination.

The Latin word culpa means “fault.” Which two statements explain the exclamation “Mea culpa! Mea culpa!” as used in paragraph 18 of “Frances Perkins and the Triangle Factory Fire”?

• Frances Perkins felt that the Triangle Fire was her fault as secretary of labor for failing to demand safe working conditions.

• Frances Perkins felt that the Triangle Fire was the fault of any owners of factories who failed to provide safe working conditions.

• Frances Perkins felt that the Triangle Fire was the fault of the workers for not demanding safe working conditions.

• Frances Perkins felt that the Triangle Fire was the fault of no one because there were no laws to insure safe working conditions.

• Frances Perkins felt that the Triangle Fire was the fault of every citizen who failed to demand safe working conditions.

What is the controlling idea of “The Story of the Triangle Factory Fire”?

• The fire tragedy prompted New York State to pass over thirty new labor laws to ensure that workers would be well protected.

• President Roosevelt made Frances Perkins the secretary of labor to ensure that rural workers would be well protected.

• New York City established a Bureau of Fire Prevention to ensure that workers everywhere would be well protected.

• The New York State legislature created a Factory Investigating Commission to ensure that workers nationwide would be well protected.

Select the statement that best summarizes the details of “The Story of the Triangle Factory Fire” in logical order.

• Investigator Frances Perkins witnesses the Triangle Factory Fire. The Bureau of Fire Prevention’s findings prompt other states to enact protective labor laws.

• After the tragedy of the Triangle Factory Fire, the Factory Investigating Commission’s findings prompt New York to pass thirty-three new labor laws. Investigator Frances Perkins is named secretary of labor and promises to fight for worker safety.

• After the tragedy of the Triangle Factory Fire, the Bureau of Fire Prevention’s findings prompt New York to pass thirty-three new labor laws. Investigator Frances Perkins is named secretary of labor and promises to get all workers life insurance.

• Investigator Frances Perkins witnesses the Triangle Factory Fire. The Factory Investigating Commission’s findings prompt other states to enact protective labor laws.

Read the dictionary entry.

vain \vān\ 1. without purpose or effect 2. showing excessive pride in appearance or achievements 3. treating something sacred in an abusive manner 4. foolish or without sense

The word vain as it is used in paragraph 6 of “The Story of the Triangle Factory Fire” best fits which definition?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4