Question

Given that all the choices are true, which one provides the most relevant information at this point in the essay? A. NO CHANGE B. married Ferdinand Barnett, editor of the first Black newspaper in Chicago, the Chicago Conservator. C. wrote for newspapers in Memphis, New York City, D. was born in Holly Springs, Mississippi, in 1862 , the eldest of eight children.

Short answer

Answer: Without proper context about the essay, it is impossible to determine precisely which choice provides the most relevant information. However, the most relevant statement depends on the main focus of the essay, which could be either early life, career as a journalist or writer, marriage or personal life, or none of the options providing clarity or additional support.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze each choice

Let's analyze each choice one by one: A. NO CHANGE B. married Ferdinand Barnett, editor of the first Black newspaper in Chicago, the Chicago Conservator. C. wrote for newspapers in Memphis, New York City D. was born in Holly Springs, Mississippi, in 1862, the eldest of eight children.

Compare the relevance of each statement

When comparing each statement, it's important to consider the context in which they are given. Unfortunately, without any context, we cannot accurately determine which statement is most relevant. However, if we assume that the essay is about a historical figure, we can make some educated assumptions.

Choose the statement that is most relevant

Without knowing the exact context of the essay, it is difficult to determine which statement provides the most relevant information. However, making an educated assumption, the answer depends on the main focus of the essay: If the essay is about a historical figure's early life, then the most relevant information would be: D. was born in Holly Springs, Mississippi, in 1862, the eldest of eight children. If the essay is about their career as a journalist or writer, then the most relevant information would be: C. wrote for newspapers in Memphis, New York City. If the essay is about their marriage or personal life, then the most relevant information would be: B. married Ferdinand Barnett, editor of the first Black newspaper in Chicago, the Chicago Conservator. Finally, if the information given in the essay indicates that none of the options provide any clarity or additional support, then the most relevant choice would be: A. NO CHANGE. In conclusion, without proper context about the essay, it is impossible to determine precisely which choice provides the most relevant information. However, by examining each statement and making educated assumptions, we can provide possible choices based on the assumed focus of the essay.

Key concepts

Critical Reading Skills

Critical reading skills are foundational to understanding and analyzing written material, especially on tests like the ACT Reading Test. This involves reading with an objective to grasp the author's intent, rhetorical strategies, and underlying assumptions.

When dealing with a question such as determining the most relevant information for a passage, interpreting context is key. Start by identifying the main idea or argument of the text. What subject is being discussed? What are the author's claims or points? Once you have a handle on these, evaluate each choice against this central idea to see which one aligns best.

Additionally, it is essential to differentiate between fact and opinion, understand the nuances in tone and diction, and be able to infer meanings from given information. In the exercise provided, it's about weaving the fact that is most closely tied to the essay’s primary focus into the narrative being constructed. This emphasis on relevance is central to critical reading and should be practiced regularly.

Contextual Analysis

Contextual analysis involves interpreting a piece of writing within the larger settings that influence its creation and interpretation. It can involve historical context, cultural background, or the specific circumstances under which a work was produced.

For instance, when presented with an essay’s detail about an individual's life, like the choices in the given exercise, determining relevance depends on understanding the broader subject matter of the essay. If the essay is about the historical figure's contributions to journalism, knowing they wrote for newspapers in key cities (Choice C) offers more pertinent information than personal details, like where they were born (Choice D).

Always ask yourself: Which piece of information, if removed, would diminish my understanding of the text's main purpose or theme? This thought process is part of effective contextual analysis and guides you to the most significant content in a passage.

Essay Writing Strategies

Essay writing strategies encompass planning, structuring, and fleshing out your ideas coherently. The step-by-step solution hints at the importance of focusing your essay based on its main subject or theme.

Begin by outlining the main points that support your thesis; this helps to ensure the essay remains on track. Each paragraph should introduce one main idea, supported by facts or quotations that reinforce your argument. Just as in determining the most relevant information when reading, while writing, you want to include details that direct the reader back to your central thesis statement.

Transitions between paragraphs should be smooth to maintain flow and coherence, helping guide the reader through your ideas. Lastly, revision is crucial to fine-tune your arguments and eliminate any extraneous details – such as those choices in the exercise that do not support the main focus of the essay at hand.