Read the excerpt from the introductory note of The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin.“[He] set up a printing house of his own from which he published ‘The Pennsylvania Gazette,’ to which he contributed many essays, and which he made a medium for agitating a variety of local reforms. In 1732 he began to issue his famous ‘Poor Richard's Almanac’ for the enrichment of which he borrowed or composed those pithy utterances of worldly wisdom which are the basis of a large part of his popular reputation. In 1758, the year in which he ceases writing for the Almanac, he printed in it ‘Father Abraham's Sermon,’ now regarded as the most famous piece of literature produced in Colonial America.”Which is the best summary of this excerpt?
Answer
A
Benjamin Franklin founded “The Pennsylvania Gazette” and authored many articles for the paper that focused on local reforms. In 1732, he began writing his famous “Poor Richard’s Almanac,” and in 1758, he printed “Father Abraham’s Sermon,” which is considered one of the most well-known pieces of colonial literature.
B
Benjamin Franklin opened his own print shop to publish “The Pennsylvania Gazette.” He founded the paper and wrote articles for it that focused on different local reforms.
C
Benjamin Franklin famously wrote “Poor Richard’s Almanac,” which contained bits of worldly wisdom. Franklin is very well known for the almanac. He is also famous for “Father Abraham’s Sermon,” which was published after Franklin stopped writing for the almanac.
D
Benjamin Franklin wrote for “The Pennsylvania Gazette,” “Poor Richard’s Almanac,” and “Father Abraham’s Sermon.”
Explanation
The excerpt covers Franklin’s printing house and work on The Pennsylvania Gazette, then gives the dates and significance of Poor Richard’s Almanac and “Father Abraham’s Sermon.” Choice A includes all these main points. Choice B leaves out the almanac and sermon, while C incorrectly suggests the sermon was published after Franklin stopped writing for the almanac; the excerpt says he printed it in 1758, the year he stopped.
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