Question

(F) NO CHANGE (G) Some of those pictures had been reprinted in books my father and grandmother collected. (H) My grandmother and father proudly displayed these pictures in their homes. (J) Like other Chickasaw, my father and grandmother had each set aside a room in their own home to the tribe.

Short answer

H

Step-by-step solution

- Read the Sentence

Read the sentence and understand the context. The given sentence is: 'NO CHANGE.' This implies considering the sentence before it and understanding if it flows correctly.

- Analyze the Alternatives

Read the alternatives provided, which are: (G) 'Some of those pictures had been reprinted in books my father and grandmother collected.', (H) 'My grandmother and father proudly displayed these pictures in their homes.', and (J) 'Like other Chickasaw, my father and grandmother had each set aside a room in their own home to the tribe.'

- Evaluate Clarity and Relevance

Evaluate the relevance of each alternative to the context. (G) talks about reprinted pictures in books, (H) speaks of displaying pictures, and (J) mentions setting aside rooms for the tribe. Consider which option is most relevant and clear in the context.

- Choose the Best Option

Choose the most appropriate option. 'NO CHANGE' needs to be compared with options (G), (H), and (J). Evaluate if a change is necessary for clarity or relevance.

Key concepts

sentence analysis

Sentence analysis is crucial for understanding what each part of a sentence is conveying. When analyzing a sentence, start by identifying the subject, verb, and object. This helps to uncover the basic structure of the sentence and pinpoint any elements that may be confusing.

For example, in the exercise provided, identifying 'my father and grandmother' as the subjects and 'had each set aside' as the verb helps determine the core action of the sentence. This analysis reveals how each word functions within the sentence.

A helpful tip is to break down complex sentences into simpler parts. Look for conjunctions and punctuation, as they often separate different thoughts within a single sentence. Analyzing these parts separately can make it easier to understand the overall meaning and structure.

context evaluation

Context evaluation involves examining the surrounding sentences to understand the bigger picture. It's essential for determining whether a sentence fits well within the paragraph or if it stands out awkwardly.

In our exercise, the alternatives provided must align with the context of the surrounding sentences. For instance, does the mention of reprinted pictures in books (option G) make sense given the information provided in the preceding and following sentences? If the previous sentences focus on cultural heritage, context evaluation might reveal that mentioning books disrupts the flow.

To effectively evaluate context:

• Read several sentences before and after the one in question.
• Look for themes and main ideas being discussed.
• Ask yourself whether the sentence in question contributes meaningfully to the paragraph's overall message.

relevance assessment

Relevance assessment is about determining whether a sentence or phrase adds value to the paragraph or distracts from it. This step is vital in deciding whether a change is needed for clarity or coherence.

In the exercise, relevance assessment helps decide between the 'NO CHANGE' option and alternatives (G), (H), and (J). For example, if the paragraph is about personal displays of cultural pride, option (H), which mentions displaying pictures in homes, may be more relevant.

To assess relevance effectively:

• Identify the main topic or theme of the paragraph.
• Determine whether the sentence in question supports this main idea.
• Consider whether the sentence adds new, helpful information or if it merely repeats what has been said.

Following these steps ensures that each sentence serves a purpose, enhancing the readability and effectiveness of the writing.