Question

look at the graphic.
a muckraker conducted an investigation and wrote an article.
people read the article and were shocked by the facts.
which phrase best fits in the last box?
the public began to take action by setting up committees and supporting reform candidates.
the public turned against the muckrakers and tried to shut down their newspapers.
the public was outraged and demanded that the government regulate journalistic practices
the public largely ignored the muckrakers articles.

Explanation:

Muckrakers were journalists who exposed social and political problems. After people were shocked by the facts in muckrakers' articles, they typically took action for reform. The first option fits as public action (committees, supporting reform candidates) follows shock. The second is wrong (public supported muckrakers, not opposed), third is wrong (muckrakers’ work led to reform, not regulation of journalism), fourth is wrong (people were shocked, so didn't ignore).

Answer:

A. The public began to take action by setting up committees and supporting reform candidates.