Difficulty: Medium

Average Score: 56%

One of the most successful Black inventors following the Civil War was Elijah McCoy. McCoy's basic invention, a 'drip cup,' ended complaints of waste and cost by making it unnecessary to stop and restart engines to lubricate them. McCoy opened the Elijah McCoy Manufacturing Company in Detroit, Michigan, to develop and market his inventions. He worked with such intensity from 1873 to 1899 that he received 25 patents for different types of lubricators. The confidence inspired by the reliability of his lubricating devices was such that the phrase 'the real McCoy' was coined to describe machinery that contained the McCoy device, and this phrase became a part of the English language.

According to the passage, 'the real McCoy' originally referred to

Rationale

machinery that contained the drip cup invented by Elijah McCoy.

The phrase 'the real McCoy' originated to describe machinery that utilized McCoy's reliable lubricating devices, specifically his drip cup invention, which significantly improved the efficiency of engines.

A (machinery that contained the drip cup invented by Elijah McCoy) CORRECT

This choice accurately reflects the passage, which indicates that the phrase was coined to signify the reliability and quality of machinery equipped with McCoy's innovative lubricator, particularly the drip cup, which eliminated the need for frequent engine stops.

B (any device actually invented by Elijah McCoy) YOUR ANSWER

While this choice suggests a broader scope, the passage specifically attributes the phrase 'the real McCoy' to machinery containing his drip cup invention. Therefore, it does not encompass the specific context provided in the text, which focuses on a particular type of device rather than all his inventions.

C (Elijah McCoy himself) YOUR ANSWER

This option misinterprets the phrase's origin. Although Elijah McCoy was indeed a notable inventor, 'the real McCoy' refers to the quality of machinery, not to the inventor himself. The phrase emphasizes the quality and reliability of his inventions rather than his personal identity.

D (the Elijah McCoy Manufacturing Company) YOUR ANSWER

This choice is incorrect as the phrase does not refer to the company but rather to the machinery that incorporated McCoy's innovative lubricating devices. The company was a means of promoting his inventions, but it is not what the phrase describes.

E (later versions of the drip cup invented by Elijah McCoy) YOUR ANSWER

This option implies that the phrase refers to subsequent iterations of the drip cup, which is not supported by the passage. The phrase 'the real McCoy' specifically pertains to the original machinery using his drip cup, not any later adaptations.

Conclusion

The expression 'the real McCoy' originated from the reliability of machinery that utilized Elijah McCoy's drip cup, a significant innovation in engine lubrication. This phrase highlights the value and trust in McCoy's work, distinguishing authentic machinery equipped with his effective devices from inferior alternatives. Understanding this context underscores the importance of McCoy's contributions to engineering and the cultural impact of his inventions.

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