Question

1. Which statement represents a central idea of the text?

SELECT TWO.
A. The author appreciates Mariah Carey because she
demonstrates the universal appeal of Christmas.
B. The author's memories of Mariah Carey are
inseparable from his traumatic experience of the U.S.
invasion of Panama.
C. Mariah Carey's music represents a 21st-century
American culture that celebrates joy by embracing
diversity and inclusivity.
D. Mariah Carey's cultural influence has waned over
time but the author chooses to celebrate her because of a
personal connection.
E. The author feels envious of Mariah Carey's fame
because her mixed heritage identity is accepted while he
had to conceal his own identity.
OF. Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You"
transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries, bringing
people together across backgrounds.

Answer 1

The correct answer is B and C. These statements reflect the central idea of the text, which is about how the author’s personal and cultural experiences shaped his appreciation of Mariah Carey’s music. The other statements are either wrong or not specific enough to be the central idea. For example, statement A is too broad, because it does not mention the author’s perspective. Statement D is inaccurate, because the text does not imply that Mariah Carey’s influence has waned. Statement E is irrelevant, because the text does not express any envy or resentment towards Mariah Carey. Statement F is partially true, but it does not capture the author’s personal connection to the song.

Answer 2

The central ideas of the text focus on 21st-century American culture's celebration of diversity and inclusivity, and music's power to unify people across different backgrounds, as reflected in Mariah Carey's universal appeal.

Step-by-step explanation:

The central ideas of the text are closely related to cultural identity, inclusivity, and the universal language of music. Option C, which highlights Mariah Carey's music as a representation of 21st-century American culture that promotes joy through diversity and inclusivity, aligns with several excerpts provided. Moreover, option F discusses how Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You" transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, which resonate with the notion that cultural expressions, like music, have the power to bring people together, regardless of background - an idea also supported by the context provided. While options A and D mention personal reactions and connections to Mariah Carey, they do not encompass a central idea that reflects the overarching themes of cultural integration and evolving American cultural sensibilities. Options B and E appear to be more focused on individual experiences rather than the central ideas related to the wider cultural discussions in the text.