Main idea of an informational text

According to the passage, what was added to the pants to make them stronger for workers?

• Extra layers of fabric

• A special blue dye

• Small metal fasteners called rivets

• Stronger sewing thread

Answer explanation

The passage states that Jacob Davis 'decided to place small metal fasteners, called rivets, at these weak spots' to make the pants more durable.

Which detail from the passage best supports the idea that jeans became a fashion symbol?

• The name 'denim' comes from a fabric made in Nîmes, France.

• Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss received a patent in 1873.

• The pants were originally designed for miners and laborers.

• Popular movie stars wore them on screen in the 1950s.

Answer explanation

This detail directly explains the turning point when jeans transitioned from workwear to fashion, stating, 'Popular movie stars wore them on screen, and suddenly jeans became a symbol of cool rebellion for young people.'

What is the central idea of this passage?

• Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss were clever inventors.

• Blue jeans evolved from tough work pants into a popular fashion item.

• Denim is the strongest fabric for making pants.

• Movie stars in the 1950s were responsible for all modern fashion.

Answer explanation

This option best summarizes the entire passage, which traces the history of jeans from their origin as 'durable workwear' to becoming a 'go-to item for everyday casual wear' thanks to their adoption into popular culture.

Sort the following details about blue jeans into the correct category based on the passage.

• Pants for miners

• Symbol of rebellion

• Strengthened with rivets

• Worn by movie stars

• Durable for laborers

Answer explanation

The passage describes two main phases for blue jeans. The 'Original Workwear' phase includes details about their creation for tough jobs, like for miners and laborers, and the rivets that made them durable. The 'Fashion Symbol' phase includes details about their adoption by movie stars, their rebellious image, and their current status as a common clothing item.

Match each name or term from the passage to its correct description.

• The sturdy cotton twill fabric used for jeans

• Levi Strauss

• A tailor who had the idea for strengthening pants

• Rivets

• A merchant who partnered to produce the pants

• Denim

• Metal fasteners placed at stress points

• Jacob Davis

Answer explanation

The passage identifies Levi Strauss as the merchant and business partner, Jacob Davis as the tailor with the original idea, denim as the specific fabric, and rivets as the metal fasteners used for reinforcement.

The author tells the story of blue jeans in chronological order, from their creation to their modern popularity. Analyze how this time-order structure helps you understand the central idea that jeans changed from workwear to fashion. Use at least two details from the passage to support your answer.

Answer explanation

Sample answers: The time-order structure makes the central idea clear by showing the change step-by-step. First, the passage explains that jeans were created in 1873 with rivets to be 'durable workwear.' Then, it moves forward to the 1950s to show how 'popular movie stars wore them,' which turned them into a fashion item. By showing the 'before' and 'after' in order, it's easy to see how they transformed.; Using chronological order helps the reader follow the journey of the jeans. The passage starts with their beginning as pants for 'gold miners, cowboys, and laborers.' Then it explains how they became popular decades later, becoming a 'symbol of cool rebellion.' This structure supports the main idea by showing a clear progression from a practical item to a fashionable one.