Question 154·Medium·Cross-Text Connections
Text 1
The historian Linda Barstow argues that the most revealing primary sources are personal diaries. Because the entries are written swiftly and privately, she claims, they capture the writer’s uncensored reactions to daily events. Unlike letters, which Barstow sees as composed with a correspondent in mind, diaries reflect a moment-to-moment honesty that historians can trust.
Text 2
Literary scholar Matteo Rossetti doubts that diaries provide an unfiltered record. Rossetti points out that many diarists write with the hope—or fear—that their notebooks will someday be read; accordingly, they arrange events to create a coherent story and cast themselves in a favorable light. He concludes that diaries are not windows onto a writer’s true self but carefully staged performances.
Question
Based on the texts, how would Rossetti most likely respond to Barstow’s characterization of diaries as “uncensored”?
For cross-text “How would Author 2 respond to Author 1?” questions, first underline Author 1’s key claim or word being referenced (here, “uncensored”). Then, in the second text, find where Author 2 addresses that idea—look for agreement, disagreement, or qualification. Put Author 2’s response into your own words before looking at the choices. Finally, eliminate options that (1) take Author 1’s side instead of Author 2’s, (2) introduce ideas not mentioned in either passage, or (3) misstate what Author 2 says; select the option that most directly paraphrases Author 2’s actual position.
Hints
Pin down what “uncensored” means for Barstow
Reread the sentence in Text 1 that uses the word “uncensored.” What reasons does Barstow give for why diary entries are uncensored and trustworthy?
Focus on Rossetti’s verbs and conclusions
In Text 2, look closely at phrases like “write with the hope—or fear—that their notebooks will someday be read,” “arrange events,” and “cast themselves in a favorable light.” Do these phrases sound more like spontaneous honesty or planned performance?
Check which choices add new ideas
Eliminate any answer choices that introduce new topics not mentioned in either text (for example, special types of diaries or direct comparisons that never appear). Then, among the remaining choices, pick the one that clearly reflects Rossetti’s criticism of diaries.
Step-by-step Explanation
Clarify Barstow’s claim about “uncensored” diaries
Look at Text 1. Barstow says diaries are the most revealing primary sources because they are “written swiftly and privately” and “capture the writer’s uncensored reactions.” She contrasts them with letters, which are “composed with a correspondent in mind.” So for Barstow, the key idea is: no audience in mind = honest, uncensored writing.
Identify Rossetti’s view of diaries
Now examine Text 2. Rossetti doubts that diaries are unfiltered. He says many diarists write with the hope or fear that their notebooks will someday be read. Because of that, they “arrange events to create a coherent story” and “cast themselves in a favorable light.” He concludes diaries are “carefully staged performances,” not windows onto the true self. So Rossetti thinks: imagined future readers = shaped, self-conscious writing.
Translate the question into your own words
The question asks: Given Rossetti’s view in Text 2, how would he respond to Barstow calling diaries “uncensored” in Text 1? Since Rossetti thinks diaries are staged and shaped for possible readers, he would disagree with Barstow and argue that diaries are influenced by the expectation of an audience, not free from it.
Match Rossetti’s view to the answer choices
Now test each option:
- A says he would agree that lack of an immediate audience makes entries frank. That repeats Barstow’s argument, but Rossetti disagrees.
- C says he would claim diaries and letters are equally unreliable because both are written for specific readers. Rossetti never compares diaries to letters or says they have specific readers; he emphasizes possible future readers.
- D introduces a new idea about therapeutic diaries, which is not discussed in either text.
- B says he would argue that anticipation of a future audience encourages diarists to shape their narratives deliberately, which directly matches Rossetti’s points about hope/fear of being read and arranging events to cast themselves favorably.
Therefore, the correct answer is B) By contending that the anticipation of a future audience encourages diarists to shape their narratives deliberately.