Question

Which line best helps develop the central idea that the plague was almost impossible for Elizabethans to survive?

A. “Although there are no fewer than twenty-three medical treatises . . . none of them will help you.”
B. “But you have the advantage of knowing that a fleabite can convey the plague ..”
C. “Also, plague is most frequently transferred between people in towns, and it dies down in winter . . .”
D. “Change your clothes and bedclothes regularly, and wash them thoroughly.”

Answer 1

The correct answer is A.

Answer A says that Elizabethans had at least 23 medical treatises, but none of them were helpful in fighting the plague.

This means that the full extent of Elizabethan medical knowledge was not helpful in surviving the plague. It is not surprising, then, that the plague took such a toll on them.

Therefore, Answer A best develops the central idea that the plague was almost impossible for Elizabethans to survive.

Answer 2

From your choices, right answer is the sentence “Although there are no fewer than twenty-three medical treatises . . . none of them will help you.” Helps develop the central idea that the plague was almost impossible for Elizabethans to survive.