Question

what is the best summary of paragraphs 6 through 8 of the article?
a despite the ability of camels to carry large loads and go for long periods of time without water, the use of camels did not receive much support from the soldiers. eventually the camels were used for delivering mail in texas.
b camels began to gain the respect of some of the army leaders. the camels were admired for traveling long distances in severe environmental conditions. however, one general requested that the camels be released from military duty.
c camels were useful to the army because they could carry food and water without consuming any. however, one general wanted to end the use of camels, suggesting that it would save the government money. while his efforts were not successful, the camels were eventually used for other services.
d even though the camels were praised by the expedition leader, one general wanted to release them on the prairie in order to save the government money. then texas seceded from the northern states, and the camels were put to work carrying supplies and mail.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option by checking if it aligns with the key elements of paragraphs 6 - 8 (not shown here, but we use the options' content logic):

Analyzing Option A:

• It says camels’ use “did not receive much support from soldiers” and were used for mail in Texas. But if the original text (paragraphs 6 - 8) includes details about military leaders’ opinions or cost - saving attempts (not just soldiers’ lack of support), this may be incomplete.

Analyzing Option B:

• It focuses on camels gaining army leaders’ respect and one general wanting to release them from duty. However, it does not mention the camels’ eventual use for other services (like mail), which is likely part of the summary.

Analyzing Option C:

• States camels were useful (carrying food/water without consuming), one general wanted to end their use to save money (efforts unsuccessful), and camels were used for other services. This covers the utility of camels, a general’s cost - saving attempt, and their eventual repurposing—all key elements of a summary.

Analyzing Option D:

• Mentions Texas seceding, which is likely not a central part of the summary of paragraphs 6 - 8 (focused on camels’ military use and repurposing, not political events like secession).

Option C accurately summarizes the key points: camels' utility to the army, a general's attempt to end their use for cost - saving (with unsuccessful efforts), and the camels' eventual use for other services. Other options either miss key details or include irrelevant information.

Answer:

C. Camels were useful to the army because they could carry food and water without consuming any. However, one general wanted to end the use of camels, suggesting that it would save the government money. While his efforts were not successful, the camels were eventually used for other services.