Which best states how the structures of the excerpts are similar?
A) Each relates an anecdote to appeal to the reader’s emotions.
B) Each presents factual evidence to appeal to the reader’s logic.
C) Each documents career credentials to appeal to the reader’s ethics.
D) Each discusses a political event to appeal to the reader’s logic.
The correct answer is D) Each discusses a political event to appeal to the reader’s logic.
Analysis of the Excerpts:
The structures of the excerpts from "First Generation" and "Like Mexicans" are similar in the sense that they both discuss political events to appeal to the reader's logic. Let's break down the similarities in more detail:
First Generation:
In the excerpt from "First Generation," the mention of El Líder, a star pitcher who starts a revolution in the mountains after narrowly missing a baseball career in America, connects the personal story of a sports figure with a significant political event. The narrative shifts from discussing sports and the interest of major league scouts to El Líder's frustration and subsequent involvement in a revolution. This juxtaposition of sports and politics serves to engage the reader's logical thinking by highlighting the unexpected turns of events and the impact of individual choices on larger political contexts.
Like Mexicans:
In the excerpt from "Like Mexicans," the narrator describes a personal interaction with Carolyn and her family, where the observation that "Her people were like Mexicans, only different" hints at a comparison between different cultural backgrounds. By implying that Carolyn's people share similarities with Mexicans but also have distinct qualities, the passage prompts readers to consider the complexities of cultural identities and background. This exploration of cultural differences and similarities involves a subtle political undertone, raising questions about identity, belonging, and multiculturalism.
In conclusion, both excerpts use personal anecdotes and observations to weave political themes into the narrative, appealing to readers' logic by prompting them to think critically about the connections between individual experiences and broader political contexts. By engaging readers in thoughtful reflection on politics through relatable stories, the excerpts create a compelling narrative that invites readers to consider the complexities of political and cultural interactions in everyday life.