Question

the race to build the transcontinental railroad

1. the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 was one of the most significant engineering feats in u.s. history. connecting the eastern rail system with california for the first time, the railroad reduced coast - to - coast travel time from several months to just one week. two railroad companies—the central pacific and the union pacific—were responsible for building the line, starting from opposite ends and meeting at promontory summit, utah. thousands of workers, including irish and chinese immigrants, endured harsh weather, rough terrain, and grueling labor to make this achievement possible.
2. to encourage progress, the u.s. government offered land grants and money for every mile of track completed. as a result, both companies worked quickly, sometimes sacrificing safety and quality to earn rewards. the central pacific had to blast through the sierra nevada mountains, using explosives to carve tunnels through solid rock. meanwhile, the union pacific faced conflicts with native american tribes whose lands were being crossed without consent or compensation. these tensions highlighted how industrial progress often clashed with human rights and traditional ways of life.
3. by may 10, 1869, the two lines joined, and the symbolic “golden spike” was driven into the ground to celebrate. newspapers called it a triumph of american determination and ingenuity. the railroad changed the u.s. economy by allowing faster trade, migration, and communication. it also accelerated the settlement of the west, forever transforming the landscape and the lives of those who lived there. though the railroad marked progress, it also raised questions about whose sacrifices made that progress possible.

based on how its used in the text, what does the word “feat” most likely mean in the sentence “the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 was one of the most significant engineering feats in u.s. history.”
a. a performance or show
b. a major task requiring skill and effort
c. a dangerous disaster
d. a common achievement

Explanation:

En el contexto, "feat" se refiere a una hazaña significativa que requiere habilidad y esfuerzo, como la construcción del ferrocarril transcontinental, una tarea ingenieril compleja.

Answer:

B. A major task requiring skill and effort