Question

supporting an inference with evidence

on january 16, 1917, in a clear attempt to convince the mexican government to help germany in the war, arthur zimmermann, the german foreign secretary, sent a telegram to count von bernstorff, the german ambassador in washington. the foreign secretary wanted to be certain that this message reached von bernstorff, so he made arrangements for it to be carried aboard a u-boat to sweden and from there to washington through diplomatic channels.
-the dark game, paul janeczko

which piece of textual evidence best supports the inference that the message zimmermann sent was very important? check all that apply.

\on january 16, 1917\
\a clear attempt to convince the mexican government to help germany in the war\
\arthur zimmermann... sent a telegram to count von bernstorff\
\the foreign secretary wanted to be certain that this message reached von bernstorff\
\he made arrangements for it to be carried aboard a u-boat\

Explanation:

Analyze the inference

Using the Making Inferences knowledge point, we must find evidence supporting the idea that the Zimmermann message was highly important.

Evaluate the first three options

Using the Reading Comprehension knowledge point:

• "On January 16, 1917" only provides a date.
• "a clear attempt to convince..." shows the purpose, not necessarily the extreme measures taken due to its high importance.
• "Arthur Zimmermann... sent a telegram..." merely states the sender, receiver, and medium.

Evaluate the last two options

Using the Identifying Evidence knowledge point:

• "The foreign secretary wanted to be certain that this message reached von Bernstorff" directly shows the high level of concern and importance placed on its delivery.
• "he made arrangements for it to be carried aboard a U-boat" shows the extraordinary, high-security method used to transport it, proving its critical importance.

Answer:

• "On January 16, 1917"
• "a clear attempt to convince the Mexican government to help Germany in the war"
• "Arthur Zimmermann . . . sent a telegram to Count von Bernstorff"
• "The foreign secretary wanted to be certain that this message reached von Bernstorff" (Correct answer)
• "he made arrangements for it to be carried aboard a U-boat" (Correct answer)