Read the following passage and then select the correct According to some sources, more than 30 million adult Americans are unable to read. There are different levels of illiteracy; some adults will be able to recognize a collection of words, while others cannot read at all. Without strong reading skills, it is difficult for people to hold jobs and become productive members of society. To improve our economy, it is imperative that the United States push its citizens to become more literate.

Which of the following sentences states the author's claim?

A) According to some sources, more than 30 million adult Americans are unable to read.
B) There are different levels of illiteracy; some adults will be able to recognize a collection of words, while others cannot read at all.
C) Without strong reading skills, it is difficult for people to hold jobs and become productive members of society.
D)To improve our economy, it is imperative that the United States push its citizens to become more literate.

Wichita mourning david matherne pipe organs—dusty and tarnished— bellowed the ancient song, as movers carried the pews for one last time. frozen branches—heavy with ice arms— 5 couldn’t perform their dance, as workmen shuffled inside the worn-out floors. sally richards—broken and mourning— watched while her father left, 10 as painters brought in their cans for the first time. stained-glass windows—buckled and broken— surveyed commotion’s cause as commerce won in the end 15 yet one more time. reverend richards—feeble and finished— cried as his exit was lost on christians who worshiped the dime; a change of the times. 20 which of these best summarizes the author's style in this poem? a) each of the five stanzas contains internal rhyme and consistent rhythm. b) each of the five stanzas contains an end rhyme describing a different character. c) each of the five stanzas contains assonance followed by a dash, then a description of the old church. d) each of the five stanzas introduces a character followed by a dash, then a description of that character. 3) in the first line of each stanza, the author follows the pattern of a noun followed by a pair of adjectives. what is the purpose of this pattern? a) the author hopes to create a peaceful feeling for the readers. b) the object and its adjectives are used to create a sense of progress. c) the author uses the pattern to create vivid pictures in the reader's mind. d) the author uses the pattern of man and nature to show the impact of this event.