GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsReading ComprehensionMedium
A student is analyzing two historical documents about a significant event. Document A is a personal letter written by a participant, describing their emotional experience and fears. Document B is an official government report, detailing statistics, dates, and policy decisions related to the same event. What is the most significant difference in the type of information presented by these two documents?
- ADocument A provides a fictional account, while Document B provides a factual account.
- BDocument A focuses on causes, while Document B focuses on effects.
- CDocument A offers a subjective, personal perspective, while Document B offers an objective, factual overview.
- DDocument A is propaganda, while Document B is an unbiased analysis.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Document A offers a subjective, personal perspective, while Document B offers an objective, factual overview.
A personal letter recounting emotional experiences is subjective, while an official government report with statistics and dates is objective and factual. This is the most significant contrast.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Neither document is necessarily fictional; they are just different types of factual accounts.
- B. Both documents could potentially touch on causes and effects; this is not the primary distinguishing factor.
- D. There's no information to suggest Document A is propaganda, nor that Document B is entirely unbiased, though it aims for objectivity.
Comparing & Contrasting Perspectives
Identifying similarities and differences in how different authors or texts present information or viewpoints on a shared topic.
- Look for explicit statements of opinion.
- Analyze the type of evidence used.
- Consider the author's background and purpose.
Memory trick: Think of a Venn diagram: what's similar, what's different?