In 1935 Hallie Flanagan was chosen to lead the Federal Theatre Project (FTP). This project was part of the new...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
In 1935 Hallie Flanagan was chosen to lead the Federal Theatre Project (FTP). This project was part of the new Works Progress Administration (WPA), a program created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to provide jobs for unemployed people during the Great Depression. As the director of the FTP, Flanagan created jobs for over 12,500 performers, designers, and other theater professionals across the country. She also kept ticket prices low for the shows they staged, which meant that many people could afford to experience theater for the first time.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
Jobs provided by the FTP were intended mainly for performers, designers, and other theater professionals.
President Roosevelt created the WPA to provide jobs for unemployed people.
During the Great Depression, many people couldn't afford to buy theater tickets.
As the director of the FTP, Flanagan succeeded in creating many jobs and introducing people to theater.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'In 1935 Hallie Flanagan was chosen to lead the Federal Theatre Project (FTP).' |
|
| 'This project was part of the new Works Progress Administration (WPA), a program created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to provide jobs for unemployed people during the Great Depression.' |
|
| 'As the director of the FTP, Flanagan created jobs for over 12,500 performers, designers, and other theater professionals across the country.' |
|
| 'She also kept ticket prices low for the shows they staged, which meant that many people could afford to experience theater for the first time.' |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Hallie Flanagan successfully led the Federal Theatre Project by both creating thousands of jobs for theater professionals and making theater accessible to the general public.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes Flanagan as the FTP director within the context of Roosevelt's Depression-era job programs, then presents her two key accomplishments: creating employment for theater professionals and democratizing theater access through affordable pricing.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The main idea of the entire text
What type of answer do we need? A statement that captures the central message or primary focus
Any limiting keywords? 'best states' - looking for the most accurate representation
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The right answer should focus on Flanagan as the central figure
- The right answer should capture both major accomplishments: creating theater jobs and making theater accessible
- The right answer should reflect that this was successful/positive
Jobs provided by the FTP were intended mainly for performers, designers, and other theater professionals.
- Focuses only on who got the jobs
- Misses the broader impact of making theater accessible to audiences
- Too narrow - captures only half of Flanagan's accomplishments
President Roosevelt created the WPA to provide jobs for unemployed people.
- About Roosevelt and the WPA generally, not specifically about Flanagan and the FTP
- This is background context, not the main focus of the passage
During the Great Depression, many people couldn't afford to buy theater tickets.
- About affordability problems during the Depression generally
- This is implied context that motivated Flanagan's low pricing strategy
- Doesn't mention Flanagan or her accomplishments at all
As the director of the FTP, Flanagan succeeded in creating many jobs and introducing people to theater.
- Centers on Flanagan as director of the FTP
- Captures both major achievements: creating many jobs and introducing people to theater
- Presents these as successes, matching the passage's positive tone
- Comprehensive view that encompasses the full scope of her impact