Question #N708

From the very first day of class, Ms. Thomas reminded her students of the importance of thinking about the larger context of what they were learning. She stressed that their studies were not isolated from the world and that they should always consider how their knowledge could be applied to real-world situations. And she emphasized the need for students to be aware of the broader historical and social forces that shaped the events and ideas they encountered. "You can’t understand anything in isolation," she would say. "You have to look at the big picture."

What is the central idea of this passage?
A. The importance of having a broad perspective on knowledge and history.
B. The need to consider the potential applications of knowledge in the real world.
C. The importance of considering the social implications of knowledge and history.
D. The need to be aware of the larger historical and social forces that shape the events and ideas we encounter.