Question

read this part of the text. why does the author begin the text this way?
a to compare arguments presented on this topic
b to highlight the experiences of the colonists who arrived in plymouth
c to provide the reader with background information on the topic
d to educate the reader on challenges pilgrims faced as they crossed the north sea
editors note: the term \pilgrim\ is used in this selection to refer to the whole group that sailed from england in 1620 as well as the first few additional groups of colonists that arrived in plymouth in 1621 and 1623. in fact, though, \pilgrim\ was not commonly used to mean these \first comers\ until the early 1800s. the dictionary defines a pilgrim as someone who makes a journey for religious reasons.

Explanation:

The editor's note gives background information about the term "Pilgrim", such as its usage in the selection, its non - common usage until the early 1800s, and its dictionary definition. This is not about comparing arguments (no arguments are compared), not just highlighting colonists' experiences (it's more about the term's background), and not about educating on challenges (no mention of challenges in crossing the North Sea).

Answer:

C. to provide the reader with background information on the topic