Which statement best defines the topic in a passage?
a. it is the subject that is covered in the passage.
b. it is the information that develops the passage.
c. it is the evidence of the author’s opinion on the passage.
d. it is the reason an author is writing a passage.

Which statement is general rather than specific? a) "marian anderson was one of my favorite singers." b) "next thing you know, everything changed for marian." c) "she was born in philadelphia, the oldest of three girls." d) "marian's remarkable life story was an inspiration to me."

Why does the author's description of the mercury boiler—"the mercury, when vaporized, going into a mercury turbine and then into a condenser, remaining hot enough to generate steam in a steam boiler"—intentionally incorporate such highly technical language? using technical language establishes the expertise of the writer and convey the complex nature of the process being described. using technical language allows the writer to subtly poke fun at those who seek to make basic processes seem overly complicated. using technical language encourages readers to develop deeper and more meaningful personal connections to the information. using technical language lets the writer make clear to readers that the article is intended for readers who are themselves experts on electricity.

Which pair of uses of figurative language from “the caged bird” support the extended metaphor of freedom versus oppression? back of the wind; floats downstream his wings are clipped; his feet are tied the caged bird sings; the free bird thinks dawn bright lawn; grave of dreams