RC Question 5 Explanation
QUESTION TEXT: In referring to “a truly national black theater”…
DISCUSSION: Whenever a question mentions specific lines, you should read around those lines for context. Lines 11-14 say that the Negro Units employed hundreds of African-American theater workers in cities all around the United States. So “national theater” must refer to something in multiple locations.
But you also have to consider the words themselves. “Truly national black theatre”. So this isn’t just about a theater with many locations. Given the overall context of the passage, “black theater” likely means a set of productions that represent the diversity of thought within the African-American community at the time.
___________
- A performing arts center could be in one city. The national theater under discussion operated in cities across the US.
- CORRECT. This covers both aspects mentioned in the discussion above. “Broad-based”, in this context, can be taken to refer to something that operates in many locations and with a variety of theater workers. Diversity of views and tastes show the theatre was truly representative of African-American thought.
- This doesn’t match. “A program to promote the dramatic arts” in African-American communities could refer to a program run by white people.
A key point about the Negro Units was that they were run by African-Americans and represented genuine African-American thought. - This is too limited. The Negro Units also had African-American actors, directors, designers, technicians, etc. (see lines 11-14)
- This doesn’t match at all. The key point of the Negro Units is that the theatre companies were African-American. See lines 11-14. There were African-American actors, directors, designers, technicians, etc.
See with this question, I can see why B is correct, but I also see why A might work. ‘National’ buildings / centers / organizations / etc. can be and are many times located in one city (ex. US capitol, national cathedral, national art gallerys / museums, etc. )…
If interpreted that way, it could also be seen as a correct answer, imo…
The passage indicates that it was the community of these “units” that arguably formed this national black theater. The units were located in cities “spread throughout the United States.” (14)
It’s clear then, that the passage isn’t referring to one central building or performing arts center that formed a single theater. The theater is rather a diverse and widespread community of individuals.