Passage: The Local Library
The Local Library
According to a 2015 survey, more than two-thirds of Americans own a smartphone, which means that obtaining information or communicating with people is easier than ever before. (2) With the swipe of a finger, the tap of an icon, or a verbal command, people have instant access to articles, blogs, news, and social networking websites. (3) Even with all these immediately available sources of information, one of the best resources for many members of the community also happens to be one of the oldest. (4) The public library is a great place for people to get information.
(5) The public library serves a truly critical role in promoting community. (6) With the explosion of digital media in recent years, people in different locations can now communicate almost instantaneously. (7) And yet many people complain of feeling more isolated and alone than ever before. (8) The library stands in a rare position to help community members meet this universal need for human connection and companionship.
(9) Furthermore, libraries provide certain amenities, such as access to the Internet, for free to all people. (10) A student who does not have a computer at home can research and type a paper for school. (11) Similarly, an unemployed adult without access to the Internet can make use of library resources to find job opportunities. (12) The free items that are found at the library can help people get a lot done.
(13) Public libraries also offer a variety of resources to community members. (14) One important resource is the local librarian, who does far more than check out books and collect fines. (15) Other library resources include free or low-cost tutoring and training programs. (16) Additionally, lectures, book groups, and town meetings promote critical thinking and community engagement. (17) A typical librarian holds a master’s degree and can help library patrons navigate through the flood of information available in print and on the Internet.
(18)The hallmark of a public library is that its materials and services are accessible to all. (19) The library connects people to a network of information and resources and is an important part of a community.
Which sentence would best follow and support sentence 8?
- ALibraries, which have been around for centuries and are found throughout the world today, help preserve the history of a community.
- BThe public library is often used as a place for community leaders and organizers to host community events, such as hearings or town halls.
- CLibraries rely on a combination of local, state, and federal dollars to provide the kinds of services and programs that community members have come to expect.
- DAt a public library, people can interact with others through a variety of programs, including teen book clubs, toddler story times, and senior-citizen exercise classes.
Show the answer
Correct answer: D
The question asks which option would provide the best support for sentence 8. Sentence 8 expresses the idea that the library helps community members meet their need for human connection and companionship.
Option D is correct because it provides support for sentence 8 and strengthens the connection between the information in sentence 8 and the main claim of the passage by listing examples of how people can connect at the library.
Option A is incorrect because it references the history of the library, which does not support the idea in sentence 8 or the main claim of the passage.
Option B is incorrect because, although it introduces the idea of community meetings, it does not support the idea in sentence 8.
Option C is incorrect because it mentions expectations by the community members and brings up a new idea that is unrelated to the main claim of the passage and that does not provide support for sentence 8.