Rosalynn Carter was once the first lady of the United States. Her goal was to create "a more caring society." It may seem like a lofty aim. But Mrs. Carter—the wife of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter—worked tirelessly toward it. She didn't just work during her husband's term in office (1977–1981). She continued her fight for change in the decades that followed. Carter was a champion for causes that affect the lives of everyday people. Above all, she drew attention to the mental healthcare system in the U.S. Carter worked to improve the treatment of people with mental illnesses.
Carter learned about mental illness at a young age. She and Jimmy met as kids in a small town. Jimmy had a cousin there who struggled with mental illness. Carter remembered feeling frightened by him. Thinking back, Carter later wrote that he had probably wanted friendship. She shared that this experience helped shape her life's work in the years to come.
People once avoided talking about mental illness. But Carter did not shy away from the topic. During her husband's presidency, Mrs. Carter spoke out. She became a leader in the field. Together, the Carters helped pass a new law. It was the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980. It aimed to offer mental health treatment in local communities. The act did not last long. But some say it paved a path for future strides in the field.
President Carter's term in office ended in 1981. But Mrs. Carter continued to fight for change. In 1982, the Carters began the Carter Center in Georgia. It aims to help people in the U.S. and in developing countries. Mrs. Carter also founded a task force. It continues to fight for changes in the mental health field.
Carter worked hard to get people to talk about mental illness. She wrote about why people didn't want to share their experiences. They were afraid they would be treated unfairly. They feared being turned away. Carter fought to end this fear. She believed that all people deserved respect.
Throughout her long public service career, Rosalynn Carter put people first. She died in 2023 at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of hope.
Which of these sentences states the main idea of the article?
a. The Carters helped pass the Mental Health Systems Act.
b. Rosalynn Carter helped people living with mental illnesses.
c. The Carters worked hard to open the Carter Center.
d. Rosalynn Carter met her future husband at a young age.
b. Rosalynn Carter helped people living with mental illnesses.
Think about the article. Which happened last?
A. Jimmy Carter served a term as president.
B. The Carters helped pass the Mental Health Systems Act.
c. Rosalynn Carter first learned about mental illness.
d. The Carters opened the Carter Center in Georgia.
d. The Carters opened the Carter Center in Georgia.
According to the article, why did Rosalynn Carter work to help people living with mental illnesses?
A. She wanted to help her husband succeed in government.
B. She read a book about people living with mental illness.
C. She had known a person who lived with mental illness.
D. She was surprised by the conditions in other countries.
C. She had known a person who lived with mental illness.
Which is the closest antonym for the word lofty, as it is used in the article?
A. sudden
b. simple
c. strange
d. serious
b. simple
The author probably wrote this article in order to __________.
A. show Jimmy Carter's work as president of the United States
b. show the difference Rosalynn Carter made throughout her career
c. describe the ways in which the Carter Center helps people
d. encourage people to learn more about Rosalynn Carter's hometown
b. show the difference Rosalynn Carter made throughout her career
Which passage from the article best supports the idea that Rosalynn Carter's work went beyond helping Americans with mental illness?
a. Above all, she drew attention to the mental healthcare system in the U.S.
b. In 1982, the Carters began the Carter Center in Georgia. It aims to help people in the U.S. and in developing countries.
c. Together, the Carters helped pass a new law. It was the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980.
d. She wrote about why people didn't want to share their experiences.