A question about two texts tests how one writer would respond to another writer’s claim. Use the question to find who answers whom and which description they’re responding to. Then put each writer’s claim and reason in a few words. Ask whether the responding writer rejects that description, accepts it only in part, or takes it further. The reason decides: a choice needs that writer’s own reason, not a possible reason borrowed from the topic.
Hints
- Hint 1
The question targets Barstow’s word uncensored. Find what she thinks diaries capture and why.
- Hint 2
Look in Text 2 for Rossetti’s reason for doubting diaries, especially the words after accordingly. How does what he describes relate to Barstow’s word uncensored?
Step-by-step
Follow the claim and the reason
Step 1Pin down Barstow’s claim
Barstow says diaries capture the writer’s uncensored reactions to daily events, which is what Rossetti must respond to. Why does she trust those reactions? The entries are written swiftly and privately, so she thinks writers record honest reactions without self-editing.
- Step 2
Trace Rossetti’s reason
Why does Rossetti question that reason? He says many diarists hope or fear that their notebooks will someday be read, so they arrange events to create a coherent story and cast themselves in a favorable light. A reader needn’t be present for writers to manage how they’ll look to that person. Rossetti would reject the claim of unfiltered honesty because writers can shape their entries for later readers.
- Step 3
Check the view and what it covers
The response saying privacy ensures the frankness goes against Rossetti’s view because he doubts an unfiltered record. What about diaries and letters are equally unreliable? Unlike letters introduces Barstow’s comparison, but Rossetti never judges letters. His argument gives us doubt about diaries, not equal distrust of both forms.
- Step 4
Match the response to Rossetti’s reason
Which response gives Rossetti’s reason without adding anything? The claim about only diaries kept strictly for therapeutic purposes adds an exception neither text gives. The response about the anticipation of a future audience fits his description of diaries as carefully staged performances because possible readers can lead writers to shape their stories. Choice B.