Question

read the passage.
from untitled speech by ruth muskrat, 1923
1
we want to become citizens of the united states, and to have our share in the building of this great nation, that we love. but we want also to preserve the best that is in our own civilization. we want to make our own unique contribution to the civilizations of the world—to bring our own peculiar gifts to the altar of that great spiritual and artistic unity which such a nation as america must have. . . .
2
in order to find a solution we must have schools; we must have encouragement and help from our white brothers. already there are schools, but the number is pitifully inadequate. and already the beginnings toward an intelligent and sympathetic understanding of our needs and our longing have been made . . . for these reasons today, as never before, the trail ahead for the indian looks clear and bright with promise. but it is yet many long weary miles until the end.
(image: ruth muskrat, cherokee, 1897 - 1982, from untitled speech by ruth muskrat, 1923)
this question has two parts. answer part a, and then answer part b.
part a
which claim is most fully developed in the passage?

1. american indians deserve the same opportunities enjoyed by other citizens.
2. american indians understand that resolving the issues they face will take years.
3. american indians have the right to worship and make art the way they choose.
4. american indians need support to preserve their culture and participate in society.

part b
which excerpt from the passage best supports the correct claim from part a?

1. \have our share in the building of this great nation\ (paragraph 1)
2. \bring our own peculiar gifts to the altar of that great spiritual and artistic unity\ (paragraph 1)
3. \we must have schools; we must have encouragement and help\ (paragraph 2)
4. \it is yet many long weary miles until the end\ (paragraph 2)

Explanation:

Part A

• Option 1: The passage is not mainly about equal opportunities as other citizens but about preserving culture and needing support to participate and preserve.
• Option 2: The passage does not focus on the time it takes to resolve issues.
• Option 3: The passage is not centered around the right to worship and make art freely.
• Option 4: The passage talks about wanting to be citizens (participate in society) and preserve their civilization, and also needing schools and help (support) to achieve these, so this claim is most fully developed.

• Option 1: This excerpt is about participating in building the nation, not about needing support.
• Option 2: This is about contributing their gifts, not about support.
• Option 3: This excerpt directly states that American Indians need schools and encouragement/help (support) to find a solution (which relates to preserving culture and participating in society), so it supports the claim from Part A.
• Option 4: This is about the long journey ahead, not about support.

Answer:

1. American Indians need support to preserve their culture and participate in society.

Part B