SAT English Practice Question

The following text is adapted from a biography of the author, Jane Austen, written in 1949. In this excerpt, the biographer is reflecting on Austen’s success as a novelist. [Austen] produced six novels, all within a few years of each other. While her books, in general, were well received by critics, the public’s response was mixed. Some novels, like *Pride and Prejudice*, are considered masterpieces of English literature, while others, such as *Mansfield Park*, were not as well regarded. One is tempted to wonder what Austen, a woman of great sensibility and talent, thought of the public’s indifference to some of her works. Even if she couldn’t have predicted the popularity of her novels, the fact that *Pride and Prejudice* is still a bestseller today is testament to Austen’s ability to write enduring stories. However, because of the public’s indifferent response to some of her works, it’s also reasonable to assume that Austen may have been disappointed by the lack of recognition for her novels. Perhaps Austen, having learned to accept that readers often did not value her work, eventually grew indifferent to such critical reception. What would Austen, with her sharp intellect, think of the modern celebrity culture obsessed with recognition, awards, and prizes?

1. A.However, because the public’s indifferent response to some of her works, it’s also reasonable to assume that Austen may have been disappointed by the lack of recognition for her novels.
2. B.However, because of the public’s indifferent response to some of her works, it’s also reasonable to assume that Austen may have been disappointed by the lack of recognition for her novels.
3. C.However, because of the public’s indifferent response to some of her works, it’s also reasonable to assume that Austen may have been disappointed by the lack of recognition for her novels.
4. D.However, because of the public’s indifferent response to some of her works, it’s also reasonable to assume that Austen may have been disappointed by the lack of recognition for her novels.