Write a 4–5 paragraph literary analysis of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. Your thesis states that the novel shows moral courage as a quiet commitment to justice despite social pressure. Develop at least two supporting ideas, each anchored in relevant quotations, such as Atticus advising Scout that "you never really understand a person" until you consider his perspective, and Atticus defending Tom Robinson even when the town disapproves. Organize with an introduction, body paragraphs with transitions, and a concluding restatement.
Which statement provides the best evidence for the claim that moral courage persists despite social pressure?
- Atticus defends Tom Robinson in court although neighbors criticize him and threaten his family. (correct answer)
- Scout describes Maycomb's streets and seasons, emphasizing the town's slow pace and routines.
- Atticus tells Scout to read more, suggesting that education improves vocabulary and school success.
- The novel includes humorous scenes at school that reveal childhood misunderstandings and gossip.
Explanation: This question tests the ability to support ideas with relevant examples in an essay. Supporting ideas with examples involves selecting and integrating evidence that clearly relates to and reinforces the main point. Examples should be directly linked to the argument and provide clear support for the thesis. In this passage, the author's use of examples such as Atticus defending Tom Robinson despite criticism helps to illustrate moral courage persisting despite social pressure. Choice A is correct because it directly supports the thesis by providing evidence that Atticus maintains his commitment to justice even when neighbors criticize him and threaten his family. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they present examples that are irrelevant to the main idea about moral courage under social pressure - B describes setting, C discusses education, and D provides humor rather than moral courage. To help students: Teach them to identify examples that clearly relate to the main argument, practice distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant examples, and encourage them to articulate how each example demonstrates the specific quality being analyzed (moral courage despite pressure).