Read the excerpt from Up from Slavery by Booker T.

Question

Washington.

To those of the white race who look to the incoming of
those of foreign birth and strange tongue and habits of
the prosperity of the South, were I permitted I would
repeat what I say to my own race: "Cast down your
bucket where you are." Cast it down among the eight
millions of Negroes whose habits you know, whose
fidelity and love you have tested in days when to have
proved treacherous meant the ruin of your firesides.
Cast down your bucket among these people who
have, without strikes and labour wars, tilled your
fields, cleared your forests, builded your railroads and
cities, and brought forth treasures from the bowels of
the earth, and helped make possible this magnificent
representation of the progress of the South Casting
down your bucket among my people, helping and
encouraging them as you are doing on these grounds

Which statement best explains the validity of this
argument?

A. The argument is valid because the author provides
reasoning for why Black citizens are "patient,
faithful, law-abiding, and unresentful."

B. The argument is valid because the author
encourages his listeners to look around at the
"eight millions" of Black neighbors they already
have

C. The argument is valid because the author explains
his appeal to "cast down your bucket where you
are" and gives evidence of what will be found.

D. The argument is valid because the author explains
his claim that listeners need not be afraid of
strange tongue and habits," as they will bring
prosperity if given a chance

Answer 1

C. The argument is valid because the author explains his appeal to "cast down your bucket where you are" and gives evidence of what will be found.

This option best captures the essence of Washington's argument. He encourages the listeners to turn to their existing community, specifically the Black population, and highlights the contributions and skills of these individuals. Washington's reasoning emphasizes the value and potential found within the established community rather than looking elsewhere for prosperity.