Question

Is the underlined portion relevant here? (A)Yes, because it helps familiarize the reader with the range of baseball associations that once existed. (B) Yes, because it helps clarify the development the author traces. (C) No, because the names of the organizations are not important. (D)No, because it is inconsistent with the style of the essay to provide specific historical data.

Short answer

Option B is correct because it clarifies the development the author traces.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

The question asks whether the underlined portion is relevant and why. We need to analyze the given answer choices in the context of the relevance of the underlined text.

Analyze Option A

Option A states the underlined portion is relevant because it familiarizes the reader with the range of baseball associations. Consider if introducing various baseball associations in the context helps in understanding the wider scope of baseball history.

Analyze Option B

Option B states the underlined portion is relevant because it clarifies the development the author traces. Reflect on whether the information provided is necessary to understand the development the author is discussing.

Analyze Option C

Option C states the names of the organizations are not important. Think about whether the specific names matter to the overall message or argument of the text.

Analyze Option D

Option D suggests the underlined portion is inconsistent with the style of the essay by providing specific historical data. Determine if the essay’s style avoids specific data, focusing more on general trends or concepts.

Select the Best Option

Based on the analysis, choose the option that best explains the relevance of the underlined portion relative to the overall context of the text.

Key concepts

relevance analysis

Relevance analysis is a key skill for mastering ACT reading questions. It requires evaluating whether certain information contributes meaningfully to the text. In the given exercise, the underlined portion's relevance needs to be assessed.
To determine relevance, consider:

• Does the information support the main idea?
• Is it necessary for understanding the text’s message?
• Does it enhance the reader’s perspective?

For example, if the underlined text introduces various baseball associations, we need to see if this information helps grasp the broader context of baseball history.

textual context

Understanding the textual context is about seeing how a piece of information fits within the surrounding content. This involves:

• Looking at preceding and following sentences.
• Reflecting on the overall theme and structure of the passage.
• Considering the genre and tone of the essay.

In the exercise, we must think about whether details on baseball associations aid in clarifying the development being traced by the author. Context helps us understand if this data enriches the reader’s comprehension or distracts from the main narrative.

critical thinking

Critical thinking extends beyond taking information at face value. It involves analyzing and questioning the information within the text. When asked whether the underlined portion clarifies the author’s development, consider:

• Does the information logically support the author's points?
• How does it compare with the text’s other elements?
• Would the text lose clarity without it?

Critical thinking helps us to see the bigger picture and understand deeper meaning, particularly in distinguishing between important details and less relevant information.

answer choice elimination

Eliminating incorrect answers is a practical strategy for multiple-choice questions. For the exercise, we need to distinguish relevant from irrelevant choices:

• Option A suggests familiarity with baseball associations.
• Option B links to the author’s development.
• Option C argues the specifics aren't important.
• Option D views the data as stylistically inconsistent.

Each option needs careful consideration. By scrutinizing each choice and removing those that do not align with the question’s context, the correct answer becomes clearer. This strategy boosts accuracy and confidence in your answers.