PrepTest 126, Section 2, Question 19
With their recognition of Maxine Hong Kingston as(422 more words not shown)
The author's argument in the(13 more words not shown)
- ANumerous writers in(9 more words not shown)
- BMost Chinese American(7 more words not shown)
- CNative American storytellers(9 more words not shown)
- DChina Men is(9 more words not shown)
- ELiterary critics generally(6 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
Our author argues that Kingston's writing belongs to the talk-story tradition and that the critics missed this connection. Something showing that the connection is weaker than the author thinks, or that the critics' assessment was justified, could hurt that argument. I don't yet have a specific fact in mind; it needs to bear on Kingston's work, not just on storytelling generally.
Working the answers
- A
Other writers can be influenced by oral traditions without weakening the claim about Kingston. The author hasn't said she is the only one.
- B
Kingston's work can differ from other Chinese American writing and still draw on a shared oral heritage. The argument doesn't require her to be a typical Chinese American writer.
- C
The author doesn't claim these devices are exclusive to China. Similar devices among Native American storytellers don't show that Kingston lacks the connection described here.
- DCorrect
This attacks the example rather than directly denying the connection we predicted. The author uses China Men to demonstrate features of Kingston's work. If that book is largely atypical, it's less reliable evidence for a claim about her writings more broadly. This doesn't prove the critics right; it makes the author's chosen example less persuasive.
- E
Appreciating a work's authenticity doesn't mean recognizing its literary predecessors. Critics could admire Kingston's work and still overlook its connection to talk-story.
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