5511 Fundamental Subjects Exams — 5607 Praxis Test
1. The author of the passage expresses an opinion about which of the following?
Answer: D
The author expresses an opinion that some scholars have offered a plausible explanation for Dickinson's decision not to publish her poems.
The author indicates that there are interpretations and theories presented by scholars regarding why Emily Dickinson chose not to publish her poems, suggesting that these explanations have merit.
A) Whether Dickinson first became well-known for her poems in the nineteenth century
This option is incorrect because the passage does not address Dickinson's initial recognition or popularity during the nineteenth century. The focus is on her decision not to publish rather than her fame.
B) Whether scholars disagree over the reason Dickinson decided not to publish her poems
This option is incorrect as the passage does not highlight any disagreement among scholars. Instead, it suggests that some scholars provide plausible explanations, indicating a consensus rather than a dispute.
C) Whether the unique characteristics of Dickinson's poems make them hard to typeset
This option is incorrect because the passage does not discuss the technical aspects of typesetting Dickinson's poems or their unique characteristics. The focus is on the reasons behind her decision not to publish.
D) Whether some scholars have offered a plausible explanation for Dickinson's decision not to publish her poems
This option is correct as the passage implies that scholars have proposed reasonable explanations for Dickinson's choice not to publish, reflecting the author’s opinion on the matter.
Conclusion
The correct answer D is supported by the text, which emphasizes the presence of plausible explanations from scholars regarding Dickinson's publishing choices. In contrast, options A, B, and C fail to address the core theme of the passage, which revolves around scholarly interpretations of Dickinson's decision-making rather than her recognition, disagreements among scholars, or typesetting challenges.