Read the excerpt from The Souls of Black Folk by W. E. B. Du Bois. Notwithstanding this, it is equally true to assert that on the whole the distinct impression left by Mr. Washington’s propaganda is, first, that the South is justified in its present attitude toward the Negro because of the Negro’s degradation; secondly, that the prime cause of the Negro’s failure to rise more quickly is his wrong education in the past; and, thirdly, that his future rise depends primarily on his own efforts. Each of these propositions is a dangerous half-truth. What is the author’s main claim?
Answer
A
Washington makes serious mistakes in his argument.
B
Black people have been unable to advance because they lack education.
C
The Southern states are correct in how they treat Black voters.
D
People’s future prosperity depends on how hard they work.
Explanation
Du Bois says Washington’s message leaves readers with three impressions, then calls each one a “dangerous half-truth.” This means Du Bois believes Washington’s argument is seriously flawed. The other choices repeat individual claims Du Bois describes rather than his criticism of those claims.
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