PrepTest 120, Section 2, Question 3
In 1963, a three-week-long demonstration for jobs at(464 more words not shown)
The primary function of the(16 more words not shown)
- Ademonstrate that the(17 more words not shown)
- Bexplain why the(15 more words not shown)
- Cprovide examples of(13 more words not shown)
- Dindicate how the(13 more words not shown)
- Eunderscore the extent(13 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
These ministers had spent decades building relationships and working through established political channels. Why bring up that history right after saying that civil disobedience could jeopardize their standing? It shows how much they're risking by taking a different approach.
What we’re looking for
So I expect a contrast: here's how they used to pursue change; now they're leading an aggressive protest. The surrounding sentences explain the job this historical detail is doing.
Working the answers
- A
This makes the new tactics sound like a natural continuation of the old ones. The emphasis is on a change that could jeopardize their established roles, rather than a smooth evolution from them.
- B
Their past cooperation doesn't explain why they chose these protest tactics. It establishes the background against which the new approach looks risky.
- C
These are activities of ministers and churches. We aren't told that CORE's leaders promoted those earlier activities. Even if some addressed civil rights, attributing them to CORE adds a relationship the writer hasn't supplied.
- D
The history doesn't establish that working through the old channels would have achieved the campaign's demands. A record of previous cooperation isn't proof that this particular dispute could have been resolved that way.
- ECorrect
Their history underscores a “change in approach” for the ministers. They had acted as mediators and worked with government; they now led civil disobedience. That contrast makes the risk to their reputations and political careers understandable.
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