Question

excerpt adapted from telling all americans stories: introduction to european heritage by national park service in many ways, the story of america is the story of movement—the unprecedented migration of people, ideas, and beliefs. the statue of liberty stands as perhaps the most iconic symbol of our nation’s largely immigrant past and its european heritage in particular. under the watchful gaze of this imposing monument, lives converged. between 1892 and 1954, over 12 million immigrants passed through the processing facility on ellis island. many of those people left homes across europe—particularly england, ireland, the german and russian empires, and scandinavian countries—to escape famine, political and economic oppression, or in search for greater opportunities in america. 2 select the correct answer. which statement best expresses a central idea of the excerpt? a. many people migrated to america from europe. b. the statue of liberty is symbolic to european immigrants. c. the statue of liberty is a symbol of european heritage. d. immigrants from england arrived in the united states.

Explanation:

To determine the central idea, analyze each option:

• Option A: The excerpt focuses on the Statue of Liberty's symbolism, not just the fact of European migration. Eliminate.
• Option B: The excerpt says the Statue of Liberty symbolizes the nation’s immigrant past (European heritage in particular), not just to European immigrants. Eliminate.
• Option C: The excerpt states the Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of the nation’s largely immigrant past and its European heritage. This matches.
• Option D: The excerpt mentions immigrants from multiple European countries, not just England. Eliminate.

Answer:

C. The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of European heritage.