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

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 simpler story the author could have included
an example of a simpler story the author could have included

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 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
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GPT-4o mini · Answer

The most effective response to support the author’s point of view in the passage would be:

an example of a simpler story the author could have included.

By providing specific examples of simpler, less sensational stories from the 1950s—such as everyday life experiences, community events, or cultural shifts that reflect the values and challenges of the time—the author could illustrate how these narratives contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the decade. This would enhance the argument that the book lacks depth due to its focus on the exciting and scandalous aspects, allowing for a more balanced portrayal of the era.