Question

read the passage from \i know why the caged bird sings.\ i have tried often to search behind the sophistication of years for the enchantment i so easily found in those gifts. the essence escapes but its aura remains. to be allowed, no, invited into the private lives of strangers, and to share their joys and fears, was a chance to exchange the southern bitter wormwood for a cup of mead with beowulf or a hot cup of tea and milk with oliver twist. when i said a bit, \it is a far, far better thing that i do, than i have ever done...\ tears of love filled my eyes at my selflessness. what is the most likely reason author maya angelou included this passage?
○ to entertain the reader with references to books
○ to explain her viewpoint on the wonders of reading
○ to provide actions that show her personality traits
○ to persuade the reader of the benefits of the classics

Explanation:

The passage from "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" describes the author's experiences with reading and how it allowed her to connect with others. The question asks why she included this passage. The option "to provide actions that show her personality traits" doesn't fit as the passage is about reading, not actions showing personality. "To entertain the reader on the wonders of reading" is possible but the main focus is more on explaining her viewpoint about reading's impact. "To persuade the reader of the benefits of the classics" is too narrow as it's about reading in general, not just classics. The best choice is "to explain her viewpoint with references to books" because she references books (Beowulf, tea with Oliver Twist) to explain how reading was meaningful to her.

Answer:

to explain her viewpoint with references to books