GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsReading ComprehensionMedium
A historian is examining two primary source letters from the same period, discussing a significant political event. Letter A, written by a government official, emphasizes the stability and widespread support for the current regime. Letter B, written by a dissident poet, describes public unrest and discontent with the government's policies. What can a historian infer about the political climate of the time by comparing these two letters?
- AThe government's official statements accurately reflected public sentiment.
- BThe political climate was stable and widely supported by all citizens.
- CThere was likely a significant divergence between official narratives and public experience.
- DThe dissident poet's account was entirely fabricated for propaganda purposes.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. There was likely a significant divergence between official narratives and public experience.
The contrasting accounts from a government official and a dissident poet suggest that the official narrative of stability and support may not have fully represented the reality of public sentiment, indicating a gap between official claims and actual public experience.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The stark contrast makes this inference highly unlikely; the poet's letter contradicts it.
- B. This contradicts the dissident poet's description of unrest and discontent.
- D. While possible, without further evidence, it's an assumption to label the poet's account as 'entirely fabricated.' The more cautious inference is simply that perspectives differed.
Inferring Discrepancy
To deduce a difference or inconsistency between two or more pieces of information, especially when examining contrasting viewpoints or sources.
- Requires comparing and contrasting different accounts of the same event or topic.
- Often reveals biases, selective reporting, or different experiences.
- Helps to build a more nuanced understanding of a situation.
Memory trick: Inferring is like digging for hidden truths in texts.