STRATEGY 1: IDENTIFY THE AUTHOR'S TO NE AND PURPOSE
Elizabeth Alexander is one of the most lionized poets of our time. The designated poet at
Barack Obama's 2009 inauguration, Alexander penned the occasional poem "Praise Song for
the Day" and recited it to a rapt audience of 1.8 million people. Imbued with language of
patriotism, gratitude, and familiality, the poem has since sold over 100,000 copies and has
been taught in classrooms throughout the United States.
The child of a civil servant and an educator, Alexander knew she wanted to be a writer from
an early age. She impressively holds degrees from Yale University, Boston University, and the
University of Pennsylvania, where she received her doctorate. The second African-American
poet and only the fourth poet ever to recite her work at an presidential swearing-in, Alexander's
literary mastery arouses audiences and readers alike.
1. The author includes the detail "second African-American poet" to "recite her work at an
inauguration in order to
A. emphasize Alexander's race
B. call attention to Alexander's exceptionality
C. detract from Alexander's accomplishments
D. highlight an obscure fact