Question

Read this excerpt from another writer’s account of the Smithsonian Institution.

When James Smithson left his wealth to the United States, he asked that it be used to spread knowledge.The result was the founding of the Smithsonian Institution. Smithson's gift was generous, but the actual work of defining and refining the Smithsonian’s mission was left to figures such as Joseph Henry, its first Secretary.

Which of the following best describes the difference in the perspectives of the two authors on their topic?
A. The first highlights Smithson’s role in founding the Smithsonian Instution; the second emphasizes the important part played by others.
B. The first emphasizes the government’s role in maintaining the Smithsonian Institution; the second highlights Smithson’s role.
C. The first emphasizes the importance of the Smithsonian in preserving art; the second highlights its work in science.
D. The first tends to portray James Smithson as a hero; the second tends to portray him as an ordinary man.

Answer 1

A. The first highlights Smithson’s role in founding the Smithsonian Institution; the second emphasizes the important part played by others.