Read the excerpt from Up from Slavery by Booker T

Question

Washington

There is no defence or security for any of us except in
the highest intelligence and development of all. If
anywhere there are efforts tending to curtail the fullest
growth of the Negro, let these efforts be turned into
stimulating, encouraging, and making him the most
useful and intelligent citizen. Effort or means so
invested will pay a thousand per cent interest. These
efforts will be twice blessed "blessing him that gives
and him that takes."

Read the excerpt from The Souls of Black Folk by
WE. B. Du Bois.

The question then comes: Is it possible, and probable,
that nine millions of men can make effective progress
in economic lines if they are deprived of political
rights, made a servile caste, and allowed only the

Which statement best compares the main claims of
the arguments?

A. Washington is proud of the endeavors of Black
citizens, while Du Bois is critical of them.

B. Washington emphasizes the efforts of all Black
citizens, while Du Bois focuses on Black men.

C. Washington argues for Black citizens to work to
benefit everyone, while Du Bois focuses on working
to benefit the Black population.

D. Washington proposes that working hard to
overcome repression will reap greater benefits,
while Du Bois argues that deprivation results in
continued poverty..

Answer 1

The correct answer is D. Washington proposes that working hard to overcome repression will reap greater benefits, while Du Bois argues that deprivation results in continued poverty.

This comparison aligns with the main themes of each excerpt: Washington promotes the idea that individual and collective efforts towards intelligence and development will lead to significant benefits for all, while Du Bois questions the possibility of progress in a context of political disenfranchisement and economic oppression.