Question

passage 1: remarks by the president on raising the minimum wage by president barack obama in 2014, president barack obama addressed the public about a bill that was delivered by congress that would have increased the federal minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $10.10. after 10 months since i’ve called on congress to reward the hard work of millions of americans (like the ones who we have here today) to raise the federal minimum wage, we saw this morning a majority of senators saying “yes,” but almost every republican saying “no” to giving america a raise. they blocked a bill—sponsored by senator tom harkin and congressman george miller, who is right here in front. a bill that would have gradually raised the minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $10.10 an hour. by preventing even a vote on the bill, they prevented a raise for 28 million hardworking americans. they said no to helping millions work their way out of poverty—and keep in mind, this bill would have done so without any new taxes, or spending, or bureaucracy. they told americans like the ones who are here today that “you’re on your own”—without even looking them in the eye. we know these americans. we depend on them. the workers who’d benefit from a minimum wage increase often work full - time, often in physically demanding jobs. they average 35 years of age. most low - paying jobs are held by women. but because republicans in congress said “no” to even allowing a vote on the floor of the senate, these folks are going to have to wait for the raise they deserve. so americans have been way out in front of congress on this issue. in fact, about three in four americans support raising the minimum wage. and that’s because we believe that in the wealthiest... which sentence from passage 1 uses an emotional appeal to convince the audience that they can change congress’s position? a “by preventing even a vote on this bill, they prevented a raise for 28 million hardworking americans (paragraph 2)” b “doesn’t expect to get wealthy, just wants to be able to pay the bills at the end of every month, to act responsibly, meet her responsibilities based on her own hard work.” (paragraph 3) c “either you’re in favor of raising wages for hardworking americans, or you’re not.” (paragraph 7) d “let them know how raising the minimum wage would help you, or your family, or somebody that you know.” (paragraph 8)

Explanation:

The question asks for a sentence using emotional appeal to convince the audience they can change Congress’s position. Option B describes a relatable, hardworking individual’s basic need to pay bills—this personal, empathetic detail evokes emotion and frames the audience’s potential impact on such lives. Other options focus on policy outcomes (A), binary stances (C), or general action (D), but B uses emotional connection to motivate.

Answer:

B. “Doesn’t expect to get wealthy, just wants to be able to pay the bills at the end of every month, to act responsibly, meet her responsibilities based on her own hard work.” (paragraph 5)