Reading comprehension—best supported inference: A publisher estimates 50,000–60,000 U.S. readers want a complete Shakespeare anthology; scholars attribute renewed interest to Shakespeare's remarkable psychological insights into male and female characters—even today. Which statement is best supported by this paragraph?
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AShakespeare's characters are more interesting than fictional characters today.
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BPeople today are interested in Shakespeare's work because of the depth of his characters.
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CAcademic scholars are compiling a new anthology of Shakespeare's work.
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DNew Yorkers have a renewed interest in Shakespeare's work.
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EShakespeare was a psychiatrist as well as a playwright.
Answer
Correct Answer: People today are interested in Shakespeare's work because of the depth of his characters.
Explanation
Given data
- Estimated demand for a complete Shakespeare anthology: 50,000–60,000 people in the U.S.
- Reason for renewed interest (per scholars): Shakespeare's psychological insights into both male and female characters remain amazing even today.
Concept / ApproachIdentify the claim directly supported by the stated reason for renewed interest.
Step-by-step reasoningStep 1: The paragraph explicitly connects current interest to the quality of Shakespeare's character insights.Step 2: Option B restates that connection: people today are interested in Shakespeare because of his characters.Step 3: Options A, C, D, and E introduce new claims not stated (comparisons to modern fiction, who is compiling an anthology, a New York–specific trend, or Shakespeare's profession).
Verification / Alternative viewIf the interest stems from psychological insight, then a statement attributing interest to characters is best supported.
Common pitfalls
- Choosing answers that are plausible but not textually supported.
- Confusing an estimate of demand with evidence about who is publishing the anthology.
Final AnswerPeople today are interested in Shakespeare's work because of the depth of his characters.