Question 56·Medium·Command of Evidence
"On the Charm of Small Cafés" is a 2012 essay by Marcus Devereaux. In the excerpt, the author argues that small neighborhood cafés create a stronger sense of community than other public venues: _____
Which quotation from the essay most directly supports this claim?
For “Which quotation best supports the claim?” questions, first paraphrase the claim into 1–2 key ideas (here: cafés → stronger community than other public places). Then scan each option and ask: (1) Does it clearly show those ideas (e.g., relationships, being known, comparison to other venues)? (2) Is the connection explicit, not something you have to infer? Eliminate choices that only describe setting, mood, or sensory details, and choose the one that most directly echoes or illustrates the claim’s key words and comparisons.
Hints
Focus on the exact claim
Underline the words "stronger sense of community" and "than other public venues" in the prompt. The right quote should connect clearly to both of these ideas.
Look for evidence of relationships, not just atmosphere
Ask yourself: Which option shows people recognizing or interacting with each other, instead of just describing how the café looks, sounds, or feels?
Check for a comparison
Is there a choice that mentions other kinds of public places (like parks or libraries) and shows how the café is different?
Step-by-step Explanation
Restate what the claim is saying
The prompt tells you the author argues that small neighborhood cafés create a stronger sense of community than other public venues.
Break that into key ideas:
- It’s about a sense of community (people knowing each other, personal connections).
- It involves a comparison: cafés vs. other public venues (libraries, parks, etc.).
- The right quote should clearly show both the community feeling and that it’s stronger in cafés than elsewhere.
Check each option for “community” and “comparison”
Go through the choices and ask for each:
- Does it show people interacting or knowing each other (community)?
- Does it compare cafés to other public places in any way?
Eliminate options that only talk about:
- Decor or atmosphere
- Smells, sounds, or lighting
- Personal feelings (calm, comfort) without mentioning relationships or comparison to other venues.
Select the quote that matches both parts of the claim
Only choice B mentions the author spending time in other public places (libraries and parks) and then states that in the corner café the author is greeted by name more often. Being greeted by name shows a stronger sense of community, and the direct comparison to libraries and parks matches the claim that cafés create a stronger sense of community than other venues.
Correct answer: B) I have spent afternoons in libraries and parks, yet nowhere have I been greeted by name as often as in the corner café that sits beneath my apartment.