While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Maya Angelou's memoir "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Maya Angelou's memoir "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" was published in 1969.
- The book chronicles her childhood experiences growing up in the American South during the 1930s and 1940s.
- It remained on The New York Times bestseller list for two consecutive years.
- The memoir has been translated into seventeen languages worldwide.
- It addresses themes of racism, identity, and resilience.
- The book was groundbreaking for its frank discussion of trauma and recovery.
The student wants to underscore the international reach of Angelou's memoir. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Maya Angelou's groundbreaking 1969 memoir addresses themes of racism, identity, and resilience.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings remained on The New York Times bestseller list for two consecutive years.
Translated into seventeen languages worldwide, Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings chronicles her Southern childhood experiences.
Maya Angelou's memoir was groundbreaking for its frank discussion of trauma and recovery.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Maya Angelou's memoir 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' was published in 1969." |
|
| "The book chronicles her childhood experiences growing up in the American South during the 1930s and 1940s." |
|
| "It remained on The New York Times bestseller list for two consecutive years." |
|
| "The memoir has been translated into seventeen languages worldwide." |
|
| "It addresses themes of racism, identity, and resilience." |
|
| "The book was groundbreaking for its frank discussion of trauma and recovery." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The notes present multiple aspects of Maya Angelou's memoir, including its content, commercial success, international reach, and literary significance.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which choice most effectively uses relevant information to underscore the international reach of Angelou's memoir.
What type of answer do we need? A sentence that incorporates information from the notes while emphasizing the book's global impact.
Any limiting keywords? "International reach" - we need information that shows the book's impact beyond the United States.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The right answer should include information that specifically demonstrates global or international impact
- From our notes, the most direct evidence is "translated into seventeen languages worldwide"
- Should prominently feature the translation information as the strongest evidence of international reach
Maya Angelou's groundbreaking 1969 memoir addresses themes of racism, identity, and resilience.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on themes (racism, identity, resilience)
- Contains no information about international reach
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings remained on The New York Times bestseller list for two consecutive years.
✗ Incorrect
- Mentions NYT bestseller status
- This shows domestic success only, not international reach
Translated into seventeen languages worldwide, Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings chronicles her Southern childhood experiences.
✓ Correct
- Opens with "Translated into seventeen languages worldwide"
- Directly establishes international reach as primary focus while providing context
Maya Angelou's memoir was groundbreaking for its frank discussion of trauma and recovery.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on being "groundbreaking for trauma discussion"
- No mention of international elements