Question

Read the following passage:

Abraham Lincoln was the sixteenth president of the United States and many say Lincoln was the best president. He is called the best president because he kept the United States together during the Civil War and because he abolished slavery.

Which revision below most effectively uses referents to create coherence?


Abraham Lincoln was the sixteenth, and perhaps the best, president of the United States. He is admired for holding the country together during the Civil War and abolishing slavery.


Abraham Lincoln, sixteenth president of the United States. Many say he was the best because he kept the United States together during the Civil War and because he abolished slavery.


The sixteenth president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, was the best at saving the country and abolishing slavery.


Abraham Lincoln was the sixteenth president of the United States and many say the best president. He is called the best for keeping the United States together during the Civil War and abolishing slavery.

Answer 1

The first revision.

Reason: It uses clear, grammatically correct sentences and effective referents ("He" and "the country") to avoid repetition and create smooth coherence while maintaining the original meaning.