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 [Black man] because of the [Black man's] degradation; secondly, that the prime cause of the [Black man'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.
Answer
A
The Southern states are correct in how they treat Black voters.
B
Washington makes serious mistakes in his argument.
C
People’s future prosperity depends on how hard they work.
D
Black people have been unable to advance because they lack education.
Explanation
Du Bois says Washington’s message leaves readers with three impressions, then calls each a “dangerous half-truth.” This shows Du Bois believes Washington’s argument is seriously flawed, so the best answer is “Washington makes serious mistakes in his argument.” The other choices describe only individual claims attributed to Washington, rather than Du Bois’s overall point.
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