Question

This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.

Part A
How does the unreliable narration from Pliny the Younger influence the passage?


Pliny the Younger exaggerates the eruption's drama, making the story much more thrilling.

Pliny the Younger shares a second-hand account, some events could have happened differently.

Pliny the Younger focuses only on emotions, skewing the narrative's perspective away from facts.

Pliny the Younger emphasizes only scientific details, narrowing details of the narrative to what can be proven.
Part B
Which sentence from the passage supports the answer in Part A?


"My uncle immediately ordered that a boat be readied so he could make a closer inspection." (paragraph 4)

"I prefer to stay here so I can write the essay you assigned yesterday," I replied. (paragraph 5)

"Those on the boat with him that afternoon have spoken of his fearless courage." (paragraph 6)

"In the early afternoon of August 24, 79 AD, my mother returned from a walk." (paragraph 3)

Answer 1

Part A
Pliny the Younger shares a second-hand account; some events could have happened differently.

Reason: The narration relies on reports from others rather than purely on Pliny’s direct observation, so details may be inaccurate or incomplete.

Part B
"Those on the boat with him that afternoon have spoken of his fearless courage." (paragraph 6)

Reason: This sentence explicitly shows Pliny is relaying what other people told him, indicating the account is second-hand.