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EST December 2020 | Literacy I | Passage 2 Explanation

Frederick Douglass by Charles W. Chesnutt
[1] Douglass’s earliest recollections centered around the cabin of his
grandmother, Betsey Bailey, who seems to have been something of a (12) privileged character on the plantation, being permitted to live with her husband, Isaac, in a cabin of their own, charged with only the relatively light duty of looking after a number of young children, mostly the offspring of her own five daughters, and providing for her own support.

[2]The real importance of his life to us of another generation lies in what he accomplished toward the world’s progress, which he only began to influence several years after his escape from slavery. (13) [3] It is impossible in a work of the scope of this to go into very elaborate detail with reference to this period of Douglass’s life, however interesting it might be. [4] Enough ought to be stated, however, to trace his development from slave to freeman, and his preparation for the platform where he secured his hearing and (14) was earning his fame. Douglass was born the slave of one Captain Aaron Anthony, a man of some consequence in eastern Maryland, themanager or chief clerk of one Colonel Lloyd, the head for that generation of an old, exceedingly wealthy, and highly honored family in Maryland, the possessor of a stately mansion and one of the largest and most fertile plantations in the State. (15) Captain Anthony, though only the satellite of this great man, himself owned several farms and a number of slaves. At the age of seven Douglass was taken from the cabin of his grandmother at Tuckahoe to his masters residence on Colonel Lloyd's plantation
12. Which word would most likely capture Betsey Bailey’s character based on the context?
A. NO CHANGE
B. revered
C. inadequate
D. fanciful

A.  is the best choice because it uses a word that matches the context and meaning of the sentence. The word “privileged” means having special rights or advantages that others do not have. This fits the description of Betsey Bailey, who was allowed to live with her husband, have her own cabin, and do light work on the plantation. This also shows the contrast between her situation and the other slaves, who were not so lucky. B. revered is a wrong choice because it uses a word that does not match the context and meaning of the sentence. The word “revered” means respected or admired very much. This does not fit the description of Betsey Bailey, who was still a slave and did not have any power or influence on the plantation. This also does not show the contrast between her situation and the other slaves, who were also not respected or admired. C.  is a wrong choice because it uses a word that does not match the context and meaning of the sentence. The word “inadequate” means not good enough or not enough in quantity or quality. This does not fit the description of Betsey Bailey, who was able to live comfortably and provide for herself on the plantation. This also does not show the contrast between her situation and the other slaves, who were worse off than her. D. is a wrong choice because it uses a word that does not match the context and meaning of the sentence. The word “fanciful” means imaginative or unrealistic. This does not fit the description of Betsey Bailey, who was living in a real and harsh world of slavery on the plantation. This also does not show the contrast between her situation and the other slaves, who were also living in reality.

13. To make the previous paragraph most logical, sentence 2 should be placed

A. Where it is now.

B. after sentence 3.

C. before sentence 1.

D. after sentence 4.

B.  is the best choice because it places sentence 2 in a logical position that concludes the paragraph and connects it to the next one. Sentence 2 states the main idea of the paragraph, which is that Douglass’s life is important for the world’s progress, but that the author cannot go into much detail about his early years. By placing it after sentence 3, the author can summarize what he has said in the previous sentences, which are about Douglass’s birth and family background, and transition to the next paragraph, which is about his escape from slavery and his preparation for the platform. A.  is a wrong choice because it places sentence 2 in an illogical position that interrupts the flow and coherence of the paragraph. Sentence 2 states the main idea of the paragraph, which is that Douglass’s life is important for the world’s progress, but that the author cannot go into much detail about his early years. By placing it at the beginning of the paragraph, the author makes it seem like he is not going to talk about Douglass’s early years at all, but then he does in the following sentences, which are about Douglass’s birth and family background. This creates confusion and inconsistency for the reader. C.  is a wrong choice because it places sentence 2 in an illogical position that contradicts the evidence and purpose of the paragraph. Sentence 2 states the main idea of the paragraph, which is that Douglass’s life is important for the world’s progress, but that the author cannot go into much detail about his early years. By placing it before sentence 1, the author makes it seem like he is going to talk about Douglass’s later years and his influence on the world, but then he does not in the following sentences, which are about Douglass’s birth and family background. This creates a mismatch between what the author says and what he does. D. is a wrong choice because it places sentence 2 in an illogical position that weakens the argument and relevance of the paragraph. Sentence 2 states the main idea of the paragraph, which is that Douglass’s life is important for the world’s progress, but that the author cannot go into much detail about his early years. By placing it after sentence 4, the author makes it seem like an afterthought or a new idea that is not developed or explained. This also creates a poor structure that does not follow the order of introduction, body, and conclusion.

14. A. NO CHANGE

B. earned

C. has earned

D. was earned

B. is the best choice because it uses the simple past tense verb that matches the time and meaning of the sentence. The word “earned” means that Douglass gained or deserved something as a result of his actions or qualities. This fits the context of the sentence, which is about how Douglass secured his hearing and fame on the platform in the past. A.  is a wrong choice because it uses the present progressive tense verb that does not match the time and meaning of the sentence. The word “earning” means that Douglass is still gaining or deserving something as a result of his actions or qualities. This does not fit the context of the sentence, which is about how Douglass secured his hearing and fame on the platform in the past. C.  is a wrong choice because it uses the present perfect tense verb that does not match the time and meaning of the sentence. The word “has earned” means that Douglass has gained or deserved something as a result of his actions or qualities up to now. This does not fit the context of the sentence, which is about how Douglass secured his hearing and fame on the platform in a specific time in the past. D. is a wrong choice because it uses the passive voice verb that does not match the subject and meaning of the sentence. The word “was earned” means that something was gained or deserved by Douglass as a result of someone else’s actions or qualities. This does not fit the subject and meaning of the sentence, which is about how Douglass secured his hearing and fame on the platform by his own actions and qualities.

15. Which option, if inserted here, best supports the previous statement on Captain Aaron Anthony?

A. As a result, Douglass grew as a prosperous slave under Captain

Aaron Anthony’s jurisdiction.

B. Notwithstanding his monetary success, Captain Aaron Anthony treated his slaves brutally and is suspected of being Douglass’s father.

C. Many people would come to Captain Aaron Anthony to either buy slaves or land.

D. The many titles only added to Captain Aaron Anthony’s social standing in the community in addition to his wealth.

D.  is the best choice because it uses an option that best supports the previous statement on Captain Aaron Anthony. The previous statement says that he was a man of some consequence, a manager or chief clerk, and an owner of several farms and slaves. This option adds to that statement by saying that he had many titles that increased his social status and his wealth. This option also uses the word “only” to show contrast and emphasis, which matches the tone and purpose of the passage. A.  is a wrong choice because it uses an option that does not support the previous statement on Captain Aaron Anthony, but rather shifts the focus to Douglass. The previous statement says nothing about Douglass or his prosperity, but rather about Captain Aaron Anthony and his consequence, position, and ownership. This option also uses the word “as a result” to show cause and effect, which does not match the logic or structure of the paragraph. B.  is a wrong choice because it uses an option that does not support the previous statement on Captain Aaron Anthony, but rather contradicts or challenges it. The previous statement says that he was a man of some consequence, a manager or chief clerk, and an owner of several farms and slaves. This option undermines that statement by saying that he was brutal and immoral, which are negative qualities. This option also uses the word “notwithstanding” to show contrast or concession, which does not match the tone or purpose of the passage. C.  is a wrong choice because it uses an option that does not support the previous statement on Captain Aaron Anthony, but rather repeats or expands on it. The previous statement already says that he was an owner of several farms and slaves, which implies that he was involved in buying and selling them. This option adds nothing new or relevant to that statement, but rather gives more details that are not necessary or important. This option also uses the word “either” to show choice or alternative, which does not match the context or meaning of the paragraph.

(16) Up to this time he had never, to his recollection, seen his mother. All his impressions of her were derived from a few brief visits made to him at Colonel Lloyd’s plantation, most of them at night. These fleeting visits of the mother were important events in the life of the child, now no longer under the care of his (17) grandmother, but turned over to the tender mercies of his master’s cook, with whom he does not seem to have been a favorite. (18) His mother died when he was eight or nine years old.

Her son did not see her during her illness, (19) or learn of it until after her death. It was always a matter of (20) extreme sadness to him that he did not know her better, and that he could not was one of the sins of slavery

that he never forgave. On Colonel Lloyd’s plantation Douglass spent four years of the slave life of which his graphic description on the platform

stirred (21) humane, hearts to righteous judgment of an unrighteous institution. (22) As a result, it is enough to say that this lad, with keen eyes and susceptible feelings, was an eye-witness of all the evils to which

slavery gave birth.

16. Which choice provides the best combination of the underlined

sentences?

A. NO CHANGE

B. mother. That said, all

C. mother. However, all

D. mother. And, all

B. is the best choice because it uses a phrase that shows contrast and transition between the two sentences. The phrase “that said” means that despite or in spite of what was just said, something else is true or important. This fits the context and meaning of the sentences, which are about how Douglass had never seen his mother, but he had some impressions of her from her visits. This also creates a connection and a balance between the two sentences, which are both about Douglass’s relationship with his mother. A.  is a wrong choice because it uses a word that shows addition or continuation between the two sentences. The word “all” means that everything or everyone is included or considered. This does not fit the context and meaning of the sentences, which are about how Douglass had never seen his mother, but he had some impressions of her from her visits. This also creates a disconnect and a confusion between the two sentences, which are not both about the same thing. C.  is a wrong choice because it uses a word that shows contrast or opposition between the two sentences. The word “however” means that in spite of or despite what was just said, something else is true or important. This does not fit the context and meaning of the sentences, which are about how Douglass had never seen his mother, but he had some impressions of her from her visits. This also creates a conflict and a contradiction between the two sentences, which are not both about different things. D.  is a wrong choice because it uses a word that shows addition or connection between the two sentences. The word “and” means that both things or ideas are true or important. This does not fit the context and meaning of the sentences, which are about how Douglass had never seen his mother, but he had some impressions of her from her visits. This also creates a redundancy and a repetition between the two sentences, which are not both about the same thing.

17. A. NO CHANGE

B. grandmother but

C. grandmother and

D. grandmother; but

A.  is the best choice because it uses a comma and a coordinating conjunction that shows contrast and joins two independent clauses. The comma and the word “but” indicate that there is a difference or a change between the two clauses, which are about how Douglass was under the care of his grandmother, and how he was turned over to his master’s cook. This also creates a clear and correct sentence structure that follows the rules of punctuation and grammar. B.  is a wrong choice because it does not use a comma before the coordinating conjunction that joins two independent clauses. The word “but” still shows contrast between the two clauses, but without the comma, it creates a run-on sentence that is hard to read and understand. This also breaks the rules of punctuation and grammar that require a comma before a coordinating conjunction that joins two independent clauses. C.  is a wrong choice because it uses a comma and a coordinating conjunction that shows addition or connection instead of contrast between two independent clauses. The comma and the word “and” indicate that there is more information or detail about the same idea in the two clauses, which are not about the same idea. They are about how Douglass was under the care of his grandmother, and how he was turned over to his master’s cook. This also creates a misleading and incorrect sentence structure that does not match the context and meaning of the paragraph. D.  is a wrong choice because it uses a semicolon and a coordinating conjunction that are redundant and unnecessary to join two independent clauses. The semicolon and the word “but” both show contrast between the two clauses, which are about how Douglass was under the care of his grandmother, and how he was turned over to his master’s cook. However, only one of them is needed to join the two clauses, not both. This also creates an awkward and incorrect sentence structure that does not follow the rules of punctuation and grammar.

18. What should be done with the underlined sentence?

A. Keep it, because it supports the main idea of the paragraph.

B. Keep it, because it provides relevant clarification.

C. Delete it, because it repeats an assertion.

D. Delete it, because it is irrelevant.

A.  is the best choice because it keeps the sentence that helps the author make his point and persuade the reader. The sentence states that Douglass’s mother died when he was young and that he did not see her or learn of her illness. This supports the main idea of the paragraph, which is that Douglass did not know his mother well and that he was sad about it. This also shows the reader how slavery affected Douglass’s life and family, which is one of the sins of slavery that he never forgave. B. is a wrong choice because it keeps the sentence for the wrong reason. The sentence does not provide relevant clarification, but rather new information that is not mentioned before. The sentence does not explain or specify anything that was already said, but rather adds more details about Douglass’s mother’s death and his lack of knowledge about it. This is not clarification, but support. C. is a wrong choice because it deletes the sentence that does not repeat an assertion, but rather gives more evidence for it. The sentence does not say the same thing as another sentence, but rather says something different that supports the same idea. The sentence does not assert that Douglass did not know his mother well, but rather shows how he did not see her or learn of her illness. This is not repetition, but support. D.  is a wrong choice because it deletes the sentence that is relevant to the paragraph and the passage. The sentence is not unrelated or off-topic, but rather connected to the main idea and purpose of the paragraph and the passage. The sentence shows how slavery affected Douglass’s life and family, which is one of the sins of slavery that he never forgave. This is relevant to the author’s argument and message.

19. What should be done with the underlined phrase?

A. Keep it. It emphasizes the previous information.

B. Keep it. It provides a break from the formal structure of the passage.

C. Delete it. It does not add to the sentence.

D. Delete it. It is irrelevant.

A.  is the best choice because it keeps the phrase that shows how strong or important the previous information is. The phrase “or learn of it” adds to the sentence that states that Douglass did not see his mother during her illness. This emphasizes how little he knew about his mother and how sad he was about it. This also creates a connection and a balance between the two phrases, which are both about Douglass’s lack of knowledge and contact with his mother. B.  is a wrong choice because it keeps the phrase for the wrong reason. The phrase does not provide a break from the formal structure of the passage, but rather supports it. The phrase is not informal or casual, but rather a factual way of expressing more information. The author uses formal language and structure throughout the passage, so there is no need for a break. C.  is a wrong choice because it deletes the phrase that does add to the sentence. The phrase does not repeat or contradict the previous information, but rather expands on it. The phrase gives more details about how Douglass did not know about his mother’s illness, which makes the sentence more clear and convincing. D.  is a wrong choice because it deletes the phrase that is relevant to the sentence and the paragraph. The phrase is not unrelated or off-topic, but rather connected to the main idea and purpose of the sentence and the paragraph. The phrase shows how slavery affected Douglass’s life and family, which is one of the sins of slavery that he never forgave.

20. A. NO CHANGE

B. excessive lamentation

C. grief

D. unjustified sorrow

C.  is the best choice because it uses a word that matches the context and tone of the sentence and the paragraph. The word “grief” means deep sadness or sorrow, especially caused by someone’s death. This fits the meaning of the sentence, which is about how Douglass felt about not knowing his mother better. This also matches the tone of the paragraph, which is serious and emotional. A.  is a wrong choice because it uses a word that does not match the context and tone of the sentence and the paragraph. The word “extreme” means very high or severe, which is too strong or exaggerated for the meaning of the sentence. The word “sadness” means unhappy or sorrowful, which is too vague or general for the meaning of the sentence. This also does not match the tone of the paragraph, which is serious and emotional. B.  is a wrong choice because it uses a phrase that does not match the context and tone of the sentence and the paragraph. The phrase “excessive lamentation” means too much or unnecessary expression of grief or sorrow, which implies that Douglass’s feeling was not justified or appropriate for his situation. This does not fit the meaning of the sentence, which is about how Douglass felt about not knowing his mother better. This also does not match the tone of the paragraph, which is serious and emotional. D.  is a wrong choice because it uses a phrase that does not match the context and tone of the sentence and the paragraph. The phrase “unjustified sorrow” means grief or sadness that is not reasonable or deserved, which implies that Douglass’s feeling was not valid or acceptable for his situation. This does not fit the meaning of the sentence, which is about how Douglass felt about not knowing his mother better. This also does not match the tone of the paragraph, which is serious and emotional.

21. A. NO CHANGE

B. humane hearts

C. humane; hearts

D. humane: hearts

B. is the best choice because it uses a word that is spelled correctly and makes sense in the sentence. The word “humane” means showing kindness or compassion, especially to animals or people who are suffering. This fits the context and meaning of the sentence, which is about how Douglass’s description of slavery stirred people’s emotions and judgments. A. is a wrong choice because it uses a word that is spelled incorrectly and does not make sense in the sentence. The word “humane,” with an extra “e” at the end, means belonging or relating to humans, which is not what the author wants to say. The author wants to say that people were kind or compassionate, not that they were human. C.  is a wrong choice because it uses a punctuation mark that is unnecessary and incorrect in the sentence. The semicolon is used to join two independent clauses or to separate items in a list that have commas. However, in this sentence, there are no independent clauses or items in a list, but rather an adjective and a noun that form a phrase. The semicolon creates a break and a confusion in the sentence, which does not need any punctuation mark. D.  is a wrong choice because it uses a punctuation mark that is unnecessary and incorrect in the sentence. The colon is used to introduce a list, a quotation, an explanation, or an example. However, in this sentence, there are none of these things, but rather an adjective and a noun that form a phrase. The colon creates a break and a confusion in the sentence, which does not need any punctuation mark.

22. Which choice provides the best transition?

A. NO CHANGE

B. However,

C. Keeping that in mind,

D. OMIT the transition phrase

D.  is the best choice because it does not use any transition phrase that is unnecessary or inappropriate for the sentence. The sentence does not need any transition phrase because it follows logically and smoothly from the previous sentence, which is about how Douglass’s description of slavery stirred people’s emotions and judgments. The sentence also introduces a new paragraph, which does not require a transition phrase, but rather a topic sentence that states the main idea of the paragraph. A. is a wrong choice because it uses a transition phrase that is unnecessary and inappropriate for the sentence. The phrase “as a result” means that something happens or exists because of something else that happened or existed before. However, in this sentence, there is no cause and effect relationship between the two sentences, but rather a continuation and elaboration of the same idea. The phrase “as a result” creates a confusion and a contradiction in the sentence, which does not need any transition phrase. B.is a wrong choice because it uses a transition phrase that is unnecessary and inappropriate for the sentence. The word “however” means that in spite of or despite what was just said, something else is true or important. However, in this sentence, there is no contrast or opposition between the two sentences, but rather a continuation and elaboration of the same idea. The word “however” creates a conflict and a contradiction in the sentence, which does not need any transition phrase. C.  is a wrong choice because it uses a transition phrase that is unnecessary and inappropriate for the sentence. The phrase “keeping that in mind” means that remembering or considering what was just said, something else is true or important. However, in this sentence, there is no connection or implication between the two sentences, but rather a continuation and elaboration of the same idea. The phrase “keeping that in mind” creates a distraction and a confusion in the sentence, which does not need any transition phrase.

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Passage 3 Explanation HERE

Passage 4 Explanation HERE

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