Question

Directions Read the narrative and answer the question that follows.

(1) You grandkids asked me to write down what I recall about being an emigrant crossing the Great Plains in a covered wagon. (2) It all seems so long ago now. (3) And some things are still too sad or too scary to want to remember. (4) I've heard people say about the overland trails, "The cowards never started, and the weak died along the way." (5) Well, I don't feel right about calling anyone a coward. (6) I've learned the folly of sitting in judgment on other folks. (7) But I will say something about the weak dying along the way. (8) The strong died as well, because smallpox and cholera are no respecters of persons. (9) I saw so many grave markers by the side of the trail.(10) It was in the spring that we started out. (11) Coming from back East, most of us were used to a landscape with plowed fields and woods. (12) The uncultivated, treeless plains stretching to the horizon frightened many emigrants. (13) I guess I was different because, when we left the Missouri River and climbed the bluffs, the view pleased me. (14) There were green hills as far as I could see.(15) We brought the best oxen and horses we had on the farm to pull our wagons, but even so we often traveled only about ten miles a day. (16) This was partly the result of the need of frequent halts to rest both the animals and the emigrants. (17) But bad weather-such as heavy rains-also often slowed us down.(18) One day after traveling some distance we found that our three-year-old Amy was missing, and I still can't recall this without a sick feeling here in the pit of my stomach. (19) She had been left behind when we started moving again after a halt. (20) Mercifully, another wagon train found Amy and soon returned her to us. (21) But the memory of those few hours still haunts me.(22) A good memory is how we celebrated the Fourth of July on the trail. (23) We ate roasted antelope with gooseberry sauce, sang patriotic songs, and recited what we could remember of the Declaration of Independence. (24) This is uplifting to think about. (25) Perhaps that's enough for now. (26) Later I'll tell you about crossing the Columbia River. (27) Now that was an experience!

Question:
Which is the BEST way to revise sentence 22 using a connotative word to create a positive tone?
Select one:
a. A fine memory is how we celebrated the Fourth of July on the trail.
b. A splendid memory is how we celebrated the Fourth of July on the trail.
c. A pleasant memory is how we celebrated the Fourth of July on the trail.
d. A welcome memory is how we celebrated the Fourth of July on the trail.

Answer 1

The best way to revise sentence 22 to create a positive tone is by choosing the word 'splendid,' as it conveys a strong sense of grandeur and delight suitable for a festive celebration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The BEST way to revise sentence 22 using a connotative word to create a positive tone is by incorporating a word that evokes strong positive emotions or associations. Sentence 22 refers to a cherished memory from a historical and challenging journey, so the connotation should reflect the happiness and pride of that memory. Comparing the options given:

• Fine may suggest adequacy but lacks emotional warmth.
• Splendid carries strong feelings of grandeur and is fitting for memorable celebrations.
• Pleasant implies a gentle, enjoyable quality that might be too mild for such a notable occasion.
• Welcome infers that the memory is embraced but does not necessarily convey the joyfulness of the moment.

Given this analysis, the most appropriate choice is option b. 'A splendid memory is how we celebrated the Fourth of July on the trail,' as 'splendid' enriches the sentence with a sense of magnificence and delight, apt for a festive memory.