Chadwick Boseman didn't just play icons; by Jake Coyle

Read the following paragraph from the article.

In a tragically brief but historically sweeping life as an actor, Boseman played men of public life and private pain. Before August 28, we didn't know he, too, was bearing such a burden. That has only magnified his accomplishment, bringing him closer to the great figures whose shoes he wore on film. He played men who advanced a people's progress, a trail he helped blaze himself. He played icons, and died one, too.

What conclusion is BEST supported by the paragraph above?

• For much of Boseman's career, he consciously sought out projects and roles rooted in Black history.

• Through his portrayal of Black pioneers and historical figures, Boseman became one himself.

• Boseman's commercial and critical success proves that he was one of the greatest actors in film today.

• Because of his private struggle with cancer, Boseman's life itself carries the makings of a future film project.

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Read the following sentences from the article.

1. It was just days before "Black Panther" would open in theaters and the exhilaration aroused by this long-in-coming cultural event was everywhere around Boseman.

2. Before he was a Hollywood star, he penned numerous hip-hop-infused plays: "Hieroglyphic Graffiti," "Rhyme Deferred," "Deep Azure" — and directed others.

3. "We know what it's like to be told there's not a screen for you to be featured on, a stage for you to be featured on."

4. It's mind-boggling what Boseman was able to accomplish, facing down an industry's historical prejudice while suffering through cancer treatments.

Which two sentences taken together provide the BEST evidence to support the idea that Chadwick Boseman wanted his art to elevate Black voices and perspectives.

• 1 and 2

• 2 and 3

• 1 and 4

• 3 and 4

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How did attending Howard University affect Chadwick Boseman?

• It helped him to realize that he could become a professional stage and screen actor.

• It helped him to meet famous Black actors and filmmakers such as Denzel Washington.

• It helped him to contribute character and design ideas during the development of "Black Panther."

• It helped him to better understand the history and diversity of the African diaspora.

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Why was Chadwick Boseman especially skilled at playing pioneers such as Jackie Robinson and Thurgood Marshall?

• He naturally projected the same strength and confidence that helped them to succeed.

• He spent many hours studying their lives and learning about them from their friends and relatives.

• He had dreamed of and prepared to play such historical roles ever since he was in high school.

• He was able to relate to the feeling of being torn between public life and private struggle.

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