Questions and Answers
What is the primary concern of the author in the passage?
Offering her audience advice for the future
In the opening sentences, the author refers to Alice Walker primarily to:
What claim does the author make regarding the Class of 1990?
They are unlikely to follow conventional paths in life.
What does the author defend her decision to marry George Bush by elaborating on?
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What is the purpose of the anecdote about the complaining husband?
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What best describes the author's exigence in the passage?
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Should the writer add this sentence after sentence 6 about inhabitants leaving their homes?
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Should the writer add the phrase 'According to the country's president' to the beginning of sentence 7?
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Which sentence would most effectively support the claim made in sentences 12 and 13?
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Study Notes
Key Themes and Concepts
- The author provides advice to her audience about making meaningful choices for their future, highlighting the importance of believing in something larger than oneself, finding joy in life, and cherishing human connections.
- Acknowledges the potentially awkward situation of following Alice Walker as the commencement speaker, using self-deprecating humor and honesty to engage with the audience and dispel hostility.
Class of 1990 Remarks
- The author suggests that the Class of 1990 is expected to lead unconventional lives, equipped with a top-tier education, encouraging them to make specific choices that will lead to fulfillment and joy.
- Personal choices are framed as essential for achieving happiness, illustrated through the author's own experiences with marriage and shared laughter.
Family and Personal Connections
- Stresses the significance of prioritizing family, asserting that personal success is linked to the nurturing of children and strong family bonds, regardless of external societal achievements.
- An anecdote about a complaining husband is used to critique the perception of childcare as a burden, advocating instead for viewing it as a vital investment in the future.
Exigence and Rhetorical Situation
- The speech's context—a commencement ceremony—invites reflection on leading a meaningful life during transitional periods, relevant to graduates.
- The author drives home the importance of her "three choices" in helping the audience navigate their post-graduation lives.
Writing Considerations
- Proposes a sentence clarifying the plight of Kiribati inhabitants, but finds it unnecessary as the reality of destruction from flooding is already implied; the statement doesn't require further defense.
- Suggests adding attribution to the sentence regarding plans for building new islands, as this strengthens credibility by acknowledging the source of the information.
Relevant Support for Claims
- Advises on effectively enhancing arguments with supporting information, such as statements from marine biologists regarding the consequences of urban sprawl on marine ecosystems, providing depth to the discussion on environmental issues.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Unit 1 of AP English Language and Composition with these multiple choice questions. This quiz focuses on the author's intent and the advice provided in the passage, offering insights into critical reading skills.
