Question

America has a deeply confused image of itself that is in perpetual tension. We are a nation that takes pride in our ethnic diversity, recognizing its importance in shaping our society and in adding richness to its existence. Yet, we simultaneously insist that we can and must function and live in a race- and color-blind way that ignores these very differences that in other contexts we laud.

—“A Latina Judge’s Voice,”
Sonia Sotomayor

Which phrases have strong connotations that support the author’s purpose? Check all that apply.

“ethnic diversity”
“perpetual tension”
“shaping our society”
“deeply confused image”
“race- and color-blind way”

Answer 1

Selected:
- “ethnic diversity” — positive connotation (pride, richness) that shows what America claims to value.
- “perpetual tension” — strong, negative/ongoing-confl ict connotation that highlights continual conflict.
- “deeply confused image” — strongly negative connotation that criticizes the nation’s self-understanding.
- “race- and color-blind way” — loaded phrase with connotations of ignoring or erasing differences, underscoring the contradiction.

Not selected:
- “shaping our society” — mainly descriptive/neutral, lacks a strong connotative charge.