Question

(1) In the late 1800s, quilt making in the southern United States was generally characterized by simple,

repetitive patterns or mass-produced commercial designs. (2) The pictorial quilts created by a former slave
named Harriet Powers, in addition, were remarkable for their bold storytelling techniques and their unique
subject matter.
(3) Powers's best-known pictorial quilt was commissioned in 1898. (4) The hand- and machine-sewn
quilt measured 69 by 105 inches and consisted of 15 panels. (5) It is not clear when or where Powers
learned to sew. (6) In the center of the quilt, the "falling of the stars" illustrates the hours-long Leonid
meteor shower that interested people on November 13, 1833. (7) Another panel depicts icicles forming on
the breath of a mule and a man with a sack of frozen meal. (8) The unusual weather on February 10, 1895,
when temperatures fell below zero in Georgia. (9) The minimalism of Powers's cotton appliqué human
shapes remains in juxtaposition to the large scale of such events.
(10) In addition to its artistic merit, Powers's quilt is distinctive for its incorporation of traditional West
African design. (11) Although Powers had been born in Georgia and remained in the same region,
throughout her life, her quilt exhibited a number of stylistic similarities to the large, appliquéd cotton cloths
used in festivals by the Fon people of Dahomey. (12) Most conspicuously, both use flat, dyed and printed
shapes that appear at first glance to be placed in arbitrary positions.
(13) The quilt Powers made and her transcribed descriptions of the scenes in each panel carry special
significance. (14) Authentic artworks and accounts from them are relatively rare, so to have such a work
preserved along with detailed commentary from its creator is invaluable. (15) The quilt eventually became
the property of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. (16) Powers herself has become an honored part of
American art history.
4
Question
Which sentence should be deleted to improve the unity of the second paragraph?
O Sentence 3
O Sentence 4
O Sentence 5
O Sentence 6

Answer 1

depicted scenes from the Bible and African American folklore. (6) Each panel of the quilt represented a different story or theme, intricately stitched with vibrant fabrics and intricate appliqué work.

(7) The quilt showcased Powers's exceptional artistic skills and her ability to convey complex narratives through fabric. (8) The scenes included biblical figures such as Adam and Eve, Noah's Ark, and the crucifixion of Jesus, as well as African American folktales and legends.

(9) Powers used a combination of appliqué and embroidery techniques to bring her stories to life on the quilt. (10) The quilt also featured detailed hand-quilting, adding texture and dimension to the overall composition.

(11) Powers's pictorial quilt gained recognition and admiration for its artistic merit and cultural significance. (12) It was displayed at various exhibitions and fairs, attracting attention from both the art world and the general public.

(13) Today, Harriet Powers's quilt is considered a treasured piece of African American textile art and an important artifact of American history. (14) It serves as a testament to Powers's talent, creativity, and the resilience of African American artists during a challenging period in history.