Many books have been written about the 1950s, an important decade in American history. The author himself describes the decade as a time when his “values were shaped” and when “American values were also shaped.” This isn’t the author’s first attempt to encapsulate this important decade. He has written several others, with varying success. In one, he covered the collapse of the automobile industry; in another, the Vietnam War; and yet another, the rise of television. What do these books have in common? The selection of events, quotes, and stories that the author makes. Holbrook is careful to select the most salacious and interesting events. The result is an entertaining book, but one that seems lacking in depth. By leaving out simpler stories that don’t seem as sensational, he misses opportunities to create a larger picture of this elusive decade. Question Use the passage to answer the question. Evaluate the author’s use of evidence in the passage. What evidence could the author add to support her point of view? (1 point) Responses an example of another book the author has written an example of another book the author has written an example of a book that doesn’t cover the 50s as well as this one an example of a book that doesn’t cover the 50s as well as this one an example of a more salacious story the author could have included an example of a more salacious story the author could have included an example of a simpler story the author could have included an example of a simpler story the author could have included

1 answer

The author in the passage critiques Holbrook's approach to covering the 1950s by focusing on sensational stories while neglecting simpler narratives that could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the decade. To strengthen her point of view, the author could add evidence in the form of an example of a simpler story that Holbrook could have included. This might involve discussing everyday experiences of average Americans during the 1950s, such as family dynamics, community events, or cultural shifts that were significant but not inherently sensational. By incorporating such examples, the author could illustrate how a broader range of stories would enrich the overall depiction of the decade, instead of relying solely on salacious events.