Question 1 Explanation_Digital SAT Reading and Writing Practice Test 11

Mark for Review

The student wants to make a generalization about the impact of the town meetings on American democracy. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?

It is likely that town meetings served a social as well as a political purpose in the colonies as they were opportunities for hard-working citizens to gather for reasons other than religious services.

Having the townspeople gather at regular intervals and directly vote on the laws governing the colony, was an example of direct democracy in action.

Although New England town meetings are often described as opportunities for residents to voice their opinions of public issues such as schools, roads, and bridges, it is probable that not everyone attended and that only the men were allowed to vote.

Town meetings held in the colonies are historically acclaimed as a notable model of pure self-government and self-determination that guided the foundations of the independent United States of America.

Correct Answer: D

Your Answer:

Explanation

D. Choice (A) describes the purpose of the town meetings, but doesn't show them as leading to democracy, so cross it off. (Remember, the online SAT allows you to cross off wrong answers.)

Choice (B) describes town meetings as leading to democracy, but it's too specific. Remember, the question asks for a generalization. Cross out this trap answer, or you could keep it for now while reviewing the other answer choices.

Choice (C) also describes town meetings' relevance to democracy, but it digresses into detail and problems with the model. Another non-generalization, but this one is off topic. Cross it out.

Choice (D) is rather general and describes how town meetings led to democracy. You can almost hear the music. Keep this one, and go with it, as it's better than Choice (B) and is the correct answer.