Passage: Women's History Month

Central Claim: What is the primary argumentative claim advanced by the author in this passage?

• Women's History Month is primarily a celebration of past achievements.

• The necessity of Women's History Month is a subject of ongoing debate.

• Women have made significant contributions to society, but still face inequities.

• Women's History Month is essential for correcting historical inaccuracies.

The author employs which rhetorical strategy to emphasize the impact of historical figures like Sojourner Truth and Marie Curie?

• Hyperbole

• Antithesis

• Allusion

• Exemplification

Answer explanation

• Correct Answer: Exemplification: The act of providing examples to illustrate or support a point. It involves using specific instances to clarify or explain a general idea.

  • Hyperbole:

  • Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally. It's used for emphasis or effect.

• Antithesis:

  • The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases or clauses. It involves placing two opposing ideas side by side to highlight their differences.

• Allusion:

  • An indirect or passing reference to a person, place, event, or literary work. It assumes the reader has prior knowledge of the reference.

Inference and Bias: What inference can be drawn about the author's stance on the historical treatment of women, and how is this revealed?

• The author believes women have been accurately represented, as shown by the inclusion of both sides of the argument.

• • The author believes women have been marginalized, as shown by phrases like "rectify historical omissions" and "recuperating marginalized narratives."

• The author is neutral, as they present both sides of the argument.

• The author is biased toward science, as they give more information about Marie Curie.

Vocabulary in Context: In the phrase "indomitable spirit," what does "indomitable" most closely mean?

• Fragile

• Unconquerable

• Hesitant

• Transient

Analyzing Counterarguments: How does the author address the counterargument that Women's History Month creates division?

• By dismissing it as invalid.

• By acknowledging it and presenting a counter-perspective.

• By ignoring it entirely.

• By agreeing with the counterargument.

Text Structure and Purpose: What is the primary structural function of the paragraph discussing contemporary women's leadership?

• To provide a contrast to the historical figures mentioned earlier.

• To emphasize the ongoing relevance of Women's History Month.

• To introduce a new topic unrelated to the main argument.

• To distract from the main argument.

Evaluating Claims: The author states that women's narratives are "intrinsic to the tapestry of human civilization." What does this statement imply about the relationship between women's history and general history?

• Women's history is a separate and distinct subject.

• Women's history is an essential and integrated part of general history.

• Women's history is less important than general history.

• Women's history is only relevant to women.