Question 142·Easy·Command of Evidence
American naturalist John Muir wrote extensively about his wilderness experiences in the late 1800s. A literary scholar argues that Muir strategically used vivid emotional imagery in his essays to persuade readers to support conservation efforts, rather than merely to describe the landscape.
Which quotation from one of Muir’s essays would most directly support the scholar’s argument?
For this kind of SAT Reading & Writing question, first restate the claim in your own words and underline its key parts (for example: “emotional imagery” and “to persuade people to support conservation”). Then scan each answer choice quickly and ask two questions: (1) Is this mainly descriptive, or is it trying to change the reader’s mind or prompt action? (2) Does it match the specific focus of the claim (here, protecting nature or conservation)? Eliminate choices that are only neutral description or technical detail, and choose the one that clearly shows both the right type of language and the right purpose.
Hints
Focus on the scholar’s key idea
The scholar is not just saying Muir wrote beautifully about nature; they say he used emotional imagery to persuade readers to support conservation. Keep both parts—emotion and persuasion—in mind.
Distinguish description from persuasion
For each answer choice, ask: Is this mainly describing what Muir sees and hears, or is it also trying to influence the reader’s beliefs or actions about protecting nature?
Look for urgency or consequences
Check if any quote suggests that something bad might happen if nothing is done, or appeals to values (like national identity or spirituality). That kind of language is more likely to be persuasive than neutral description.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what the scholar is claiming
The scholar says that Muir used vivid emotional imagery to persuade readers to support conservation, not just to describe the landscape. So the correct quotation must do both:
- Use strong, emotional or dramatic language (imagery)
- Have a persuasive purpose, such as urging action, warning of danger, or appealing to values
Any option that only paints a picture of nature, without trying to influence the reader’s attitude or actions, will not fully support this claim.
Translate the claim into what to look for
Turn the scholar’s idea into a checklist for the answer choices:
- Does the quote show feelings (fear, urgency, reverence, sadness) or just neutral description?
- Does it seem to be trying to get the reader to care or act, especially about protecting nature?
- Is there any hint of warning (something might be lost or destroyed) or appeal (to values like national pride, spirituality, or moral duty)?
The best supporting quote will clearly show that Muir is doing more than observing; he is trying to persuade.
Eliminate quotes that are only descriptive or technical
Now look at each answer choice and ask whether it is mainly descriptive, or clearly persuasive:
- Option A compares sequoias to pillars of a cathedral. This is vivid imagery, but it only describes how the trees look; it does not urge action or warn about conservation.
- Option C describes the silence and the sound of wind through pine needles. Again, this is peaceful, descriptive imagery with no sign of warning, urgency, or a goal of changing the reader’s behavior.
- Option D talks about recording each species of wildflower and noting altitude and soil. This is a scientific, factual description of observation, not emotional imagery and not persuasive.
All three of these focus on description, not on convincing the reader to protect nature.
Identify the quotation that is clearly persuasive and emotional
The remaining option is:
“If the government does not act soon, these living temples will fall under the axe, and with them will vanish a part of our nation’s soul.”
This quote:
- Uses vivid emotional imagery: “living temples,” “fall under the axe,” and “a part of our nation’s soul” create a strong emotional response.
- Includes a warning and call for action: “If the government does not act soon” directly pressures authorities (and readers) to support conservation.
Because it combines powerful imagery with a clear persuasive purpose, this quotation most directly supports the scholar’s argument.