Question

read the excerpt from \mother tongue.\
i am a writer. and by that definition, i am someone who has always loved language. i am fascinated by language in daily life. i spend a great deal of my time thinking about the power of language—the way it can evoke an emotion, a visual image, a complex idea, or a simple truth. language is the tool of my trade. and i use them all—all the englishes i grew up with.
which best summarizes the central idea in the excerpt?
tan believes that language should be thought of as a communication tool.
tan believes that some forms of english are more powerful than others.
tan enjoys using language to manipulate the feelings and thoughts of readers.
tan enjoys thinking about language and using different forms of english.

Explanation:

1. Analyze the first option: The excerpt focuses on Tan's love for language and using different Englishes, not just viewing language as a communication tool. Eliminate this.
2. Analyze the second option: The excerpt says "all the Englishes I grew up with" and doesn't imply some are more powerful. Eliminate this.
3. Analyze the third option: The excerpt talks about language evoking emotions/ideas, not manipulating readers' feelings/thoughts. Eliminate this.
4. Analyze the fourth option: The excerpt states she loves language, spends time thinking about its power, and uses all the Englishes she grew up with, which matches this option.

Answer:

Tan enjoys thinking about language and using different forms of English.