Part A:

What is most likely the author's intent by mentioning that Samuel almost drowned at the end of the first paragraph?
A
To set the tone for Samuel's stories

B
To warrant the description of the river

C
To explain the reasoning behind the family's decision

D
To support the description of Samuel's disposition

Part B:

Which of the following evidence from the text best supports the answer in part A?
A
Samuel Langhorne Clemens exhibited energy everywhere he went.

B
He thought life on the river was like a journey through a jungle.

C
He interrupted people to tell fantastic stories of his river escapades.

D
They thought he should attend school to learn valuable lessons. Being in school would be much safer for a young boy than exploring the river.

1 answer

Part A:

The most likely author's intent by mentioning that Samuel almost drowned at the end of the first paragraph is:

B: To warrant the description of the river.

This mention signifies the river's dangers and establishes its significance in Samuel's life, likely leading into further descriptions of his experiences associated with it.

Part B:

The evidence from the text that best supports the answer in Part A is:

B: He thought life on the river was like a journey through a jungle.

This statement underscores the adventurous and perilous nature of life on the river, which connects to the idea that the river plays a crucial role in Samuel's experiences, even highlighting its dangers, such as nearly drowning.