SAT #15 Reading (Question 39)

Question

In developing their respective arguments, Beveridge (Passage 1) and Bryan (Passage 2) both express admiration for the [...]?

Answer 1

Answer Choice A is the correct answer because both Passages express admiration for the “founding and history of the United States.” In Lines 12-14 from Passage 1, the author writes “it is a glorious history our God has bestowed upon His chosen people,” and 50-63, the author of Passage 2 references a number of historical figures from the U.S. including Patrick Henry, Jefferson, Washington and Lincoln. Answer Choice B is incorrect because neither Passage directly references or expresses admiration for the diversity of American culture. Answer Choice C is incorrect because both Passages focus more narrowly on independence relative to the United States, and don’t reference a global or worldwide history of struggles. Answer Choice D is incorrect because neither Passage references an idealism that runs throughout American society.

How to solve this? The Question asks, “In developing their respective arguments, Beveridge (Passage 1) and Bryan (Passage 2) both express admiration for the [...]?” To solve this, we should start with the answer choices given and use our memory of the Passage to help us predict which options are most likely. From there, we should try to find evidence for any of the plausible candidates and [negative evidence] for all of the other choices. Answer Choice A for example says [...].