Question

In 'A President's Childhood,' What conclusions can you draw about Abraham Lincoln's father, Thomas Lincoln?

a) Thomas Lincoln was a well-educated man.
b) Thomas Lincoln had a negative impact on Abraham Lincoln's life.
c) Thomas Lincoln encouraged Abraham's education.
d) Thomas Lincoln was a successful businessman.

Answer 1

The nurturing environment provided by his stepmother implies a household that valued education, leading us to conclude that option c) Thomas Lincoln encouraged Abraham's education is the most accurate.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the text 'A President's Childhood,' it is suggested that Thomas Lincoln was not a well-educated man, but rather a farmer who worked the land. It is also not indicated that he had a successful background in business, nor that he had a negative impact on Abraham Lincoln's life. The closest conclusion we can draw is that Thomas Lincoln supported his son's education in some capacity, as evidenced by Abraham's stepmother encouraging his reading, implying a household that valued learning despite the lack of formal schooling. While there is no direct statement about Thomas Lincoln's encouragement of Abraham's education, the role of his stepmother and the absence of information suggesting a negative impact leads to option c) Thomas Lincoln encouraged Abraham's education.