Question

Beatriz is writing an argument to support her claim that Bob Dylan deserved to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Read this paragraph from her argumentative essay.

(1) Dylan's poetry has commented insightfully on politics, society, and the human condition. (2) He spoke out against war when the United States was fighting in Vietnam. (3) He called on the older generation to recognize and join in social change during the civil rights movement. (4) He has put into words the feelings of isolation and longing that all individuals keep hidden. (5) He has told iconic stories that speak to all human experience. (6) Dylan skillfully uses literary devices such as metaphor, imagery, and allusion.

Which statements best describe her paragraph? Select three options.

Sentence 1 offers a logical reason that supports Beatriz's claim.
Sentences 2–3 do not offer relevant evidence to support the main idea of the paragraph.
Sentences 2–5 could be supported by relevant examples of Dylan's lyrics.
Sentences 2–5 do not offer sufficient evidence to support the main idea of the paragraph.
Sentence 6 introduces a new reason rather than evidence that supports the main idea of this paragraph.

Answer 1

- Sentence 1 offers a logical reason that supports Beatriz's claim.
- It states a general, relevant reason (Dylan's insightful commentary) that supports why he deserved the prize.

- Sentences 2–5 could be supported by relevant examples of Dylan's lyrics.
- Each sentence asserts a thematic claim (antiwar, civil rights, isolation, iconic stories) that could be bolstered with specific song lines or titles.

- Sentence 6 introduces a new reason rather than evidence that supports the main idea of this paragraph.
- It presents an additional reason (use of literary devices) instead of providing concrete examples for the earlier claims.