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The following sentence is from an address that Susan B. Anthony gave in June 1873 prior to her trial for voting illegally in the November 1872 election. Read the sentence and then answer the question.

Friends and Fellow-citizens: I stand before you tonight, under indictment for the alleged crime of having voted at the last Presidential election, without having a lawful right to vote.
While reading Susan B. Anthony's address, Maria realizes that she does not understand the meaning of the sentence above. What strategy to restore comprehension might Maria use?

1 answer

Maria can employ several strategies to restore her comprehension of the sentence. One effective strategy would be to break the sentence down into smaller parts and analyze each component:

  1. Identify the main subject and verb: Maria can identify "I" as the subject (Susan B. Anthony) and "stand" as the main verb, which indicates her current position or situation.

  2. Clarify unfamiliar terms: Maria may look up the meanings of words that she finds confusing, such as "indictment," "alleged," and "lawful." Understanding these key terms can help her grasp the overall meaning of the sentence.

  3. Paraphrase the sentence: After breaking it down, Maria might try to restate the sentence in her own words. For example: "I am here tonight because I am being formally accused of voting in the last Presidential election even though it was considered illegal."

  4. Consider the context: Understanding the historical context of the speech can further enhance her comprehension. Maria could research why women weren't allowed to vote at that time and the significance of Anthony's actions.

By applying these strategies, Maria can deepen her understanding of Anthony's message and the significance of her trial.