This question is based on the following paragraph.
(1) After my interview with these four young people, I reflected on the quiet sense of "difference" I sensed
with many of these Upward Bound students. (2) As a college teacher who has also taught seventh-grade
science, I have some experience with the faces and attitudes of adolescence. (3) Upward Bound students
had those faces. (4) There was the puzzled coping with changing bodies—hormone hell. (5) There was
ambivalence about "authority figures" and uncertainties about whether or not the world would have some
place for them. (6) There were the studied rationalizations about lapses on homework assignments,
moments of despair, adolescent angst—all of that. (7) But there was also that "difference." (8) Maybe it's
one part knowing people care and one part beginning to trust the future. (9) I wasn't sure.
(Turner, "Onward and Upward: Upward Bound Helps Open College Doors," Virginia Journal of Education,
June 1992. Adapted as fair usage.)
16. Which statement best summarizes the conclusion one may draw from this passage?
A. One can draw no conclusions about the "difference" shown by Upward Students
B. It is clear that positive role models and emotional support are keys to success.
C. Adolescents need a firm hand.
D. The "difference" may result from emotional support and increased self-confidence.
I'll be glad to check your answer.
Yes.
To find the answer to this question, we need to analyze the information presented in the passage. The passage mentions the "difference" sensed in Upward Bound students, along with their struggles with changing bodies, uncertainties about the future, and moments of despair. The author also mentions the possibility that the "difference" is related to knowing people care and trusting the future.
Option A suggests that no conclusions can be drawn about the "difference" shown by Upward Bound students. However, this contradicts the author's observations and analysis of the situation.
Option B states that positive role models and emotional support are keys to success. While this is mentioned as a possible factor contributing to the "difference" observed in the students, the passage does not explicitly state that it is the key to success.
Option C asserts that adolescents need a firm hand. While the passage mentions ambivalence about authority figures, it does not indicate that a firm hand is necessary for all adolescents or the main conclusion of the passage.
Option D suggests that the "difference" observed in Upward Bound students may result from emotional support and increased self-confidence. This aligns with the author's reflection about the possible reasons for the "difference" and seems to best summarize the conclusion one may draw from the passage.
Therefore, the best answer is D. The "difference" may result from emotional support and increased self-confidence.