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Adapted from The Autobiography of John Adams (ed. 1856)
Here I will interrupt the narration for a moment to observe that, from all I have read of the history of Greece and Rome, England and France, and all I have observed at home and abroad, articulate eloquence in public assemblies is not the surest road to fame or preferment, at least, unless it be used with caution, very rarely, and with great reserve. The examples of Washington, Franklin, and Jefferson are enough to show that silence and reserve in public, are more efficacious than argumentation or oratory. A public speaker who inserts himself, or is urged by others, into the conduct of affairs, by daily exertions to justify his measures, and answer the objections of opponents, makes himself too familiar with the public and unavoidably makes himself enemies. Few persons can bear to be outdone in reasoning or declamation or wit or sarcasm or repartee or satire, and all these things that are very apt to grow out of public debate. In this way, in a course of years, a nation becomes full of a man’s enemies, or at least, of such as have been galled in some controversy and take a secret pleasure in assisting to humble and mortify him. So much for this digression. We will now return to our memoirs.
Where does the independent clause begin in the underlined sentence?
  • a)
    Here I will interrupt . . .
  • b)
    Unless it be used with . . .
  • c)
    Articulate eloquence in public assemblies . . .
  • d)
    All I have observed . . .
  • e)
    From all I have read . . .
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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Adapted from The Autobiography of John Adams (ed. 1856)Here I will int...
The easiest way to find the independent clause is by eliminating any subordinate clauses.  This will give you:
"Here I will interrupt the narration for a moment to observe that . . . eloquence in public assemblies is not the surest road to fame or preferment."
Thus, the beginning of the sentence is indeed the beginning of the main clause, though it does seem rather hidden among all the other verbiage!
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Adapted from The Autobiography of John Adams (ed. 1856)Not long after this, the three greatest measures of all were carried. Three committees were appointed, one for preparing a declaration of independence, another for reporting a plan of a treaty to be proposed to France, and a third to digest a system of articles of confederation to be proposed to the States. I was appointed on the committee of independence and on that for preparing the form of a treaty with France. On the committee of confederation Mr. Samuel Adams was appointed. The committee of independence were Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston. Mr. Jefferson had been now about a year a member of Congress, but had attended his duty in the house a very small part of the time, and, when there, had never spoken in public. During the whole time I sat with him in Congress, I never heard him utter three sentences together. It will naturally be inquired how it happened that he was appointed on a committee of such importance. There were more reasons than one. Mr. Jefferson had the reputation of a masterly pen; he had been chosen a delegate in Virginia, in consequence of a very handsome public paper which he had written for the House of Burgesses, which had given him the character of a fine writer. Another reason was, that Mr. Richard Henry Lee was not beloved by the most of his colleagues from Virginia, and Mr. Jefferson was set up to rival and supplant him. This could be done only by the pen, for Mr. Jefferson could stand no competition with him or any one else in elocution and public debate.To what does the underlined “this” refer in the final sentence?

Adapted from The Autobiography of John Adams (ed. 1856)Not long after this, the three greatest measures of all were carried. Three committees were appointed, one for preparing a declaration of independence, another for reporting a plan of a treaty to be proposed to France, and a third to digest a system of articles of confederation to be proposed to the States. I was appointed on the committee of independence and on that for preparing the form of a treaty with France. On the committee of confederation Mr. Samuel Adams was appointed. The committee of independence were Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston. Mr. Jefferson had been now about a year a member of Congress, but had attended his duty in the house a very small part of the time, and, when there, had never spoken in public. During the whole time I sat with him in Congress, I never heard him utter three sentences together. It will naturally be inquired how it happened that he was appointed on a committee of such importance. There were more reasons than one. Mr. Jefferson had the reputation of a masterly pen; he had been chosen a delegate in Virginia, in consequence of a very handsome public paper which he had written for the House of Burgesses, which had given him the character of a fine writer. Another reason was, that Mr. Richard Henry Lee was not beloved by the most of his colleagues from Virginia, and Mr. Jefferson was set up to rival and supplant him. This could be done only by the pen, for Mr. Jefferson could stand no competition with him or any one else in elocution and public debate.Which of the following is the best form for the underlined selection?

Directions:In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.The following paragraphs may or may not be in the most logical order. Each paragraph is numbered in brackets, and One Question will ask you to choose where Paragraph 4 should most logically be placed.PassageSacajawea: Girl Guide1. Probably one of the most well-known members of the Shoshone Indian tribe, Sacajawea may have been (1) Americas first introduction to the plight of the working mother. As depicted in numerous works of art, photos, and statues, (2) Sacajawea is most famous for accompanying Lewis and Clark on their expedition to the Pacific Ocean. From early April of 1805 until the summer of 1806, the 17-year-old Sacajawea and her infant son rode horseback across mountains and rivers from North Dakota to the west coast. She demonstrated a sense of calm and quiet determination throughout the trip, as reflected in (3) their journals kept by the other members of the tireless group.She was always described as being helpful and unobtrusive, caring for her child while at times aiding the party in obtaining supplies and finding easier pathways through treacherous territory. (4)2. Sacajawea’s early life was (5) traumatic; she was stolen as a young girl from her Shoshone home by a rival tribe. Soon after, however, French-Canadian Toussaint Charbonneau bought Sacajawea and made her his wife. At age 16, she gave birth to her son and (6) with her husband, son, and the Lewis and Clark party, her trek began shortly thereafter.While historians often refer to Sacajawea as an official guide for this expedition, she was only included on (7) it’s roster because she was married to Charbonneau, a well-known fur trapper. Along the way, because of her familiarity with her homeland, she was able to serve as both an interpreter and an aid for finding shortcuts and easier routes.3. At one point on this historic journey, Sacajawea (8) is reunited with her Shoshone home and family. Although she found that (9) most - believe it or not - of her immediate family members had perished, her surviving brother, Cameahwait, had become the chief of the Shoshone tribe. Sacajawea was able to negotiate with her brother for horses and (10) supplies, as well as for a map and guide so that they could press forward with their mission. (11)4. Controversy surrounds the end of Sacajawea’s life. Some historians list (12) the year of 1812 as the year she died at the age of 25. Shoshone history, however, records Sacajawea as living the remainder of her life on the reservation where she was born and dying there at age 97.5. Many of the personal narratives of this momentous trip refer to Sacajawea’s demeanor and the oftentimes subtle role she played in the trip’s success. One such account describes a river crossing in which Sacajawea’s boat nearly capsized during a storm. As the boat tipped onto its side, Sacajawea carefully and calmly began retrieving the many books and precious instruments that fell into (13) them. Fortunately, the items had been wrapped in waterproof material and remained intact. The group was convinced that all would have been lost had it not been for Sacajawea’s methodical and composed actions.6. (14) Despite the questions surrounding her death, there is no question that Sacajawea left her mark on American history.Q. (8)

Directions:In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.The following paragraphs may or may not be in the most logical order. Each paragraph is numbered in brackets, and One Question will ask you to choose where Paragraph 4 should most logically be placed.PassageSacajawea: Girl Guide1. Probably one of the most well-known members of the Shoshone Indian tribe, Sacajawea may have been (1) Americas first introduction to the plight of the working mother. As depicted in numerous works of art, photos, and statues, (2) Sacajawea is most famous for accompanying Lewis and Clark on their expedition to the Pacific Ocean. From early April of 1805 until the summer of 1806, the 17-year-old Sacajawea and her infant son rode horseback across mountains and rivers from North Dakota to the west coast. She demonstrated a sense of calm and quiet determination throughout the trip, as reflected in (3) their journals kept by the other members of the tireless group.She was always described as being helpful and unobtrusive, caring for her child while at times aiding the party in obtaining supplies and finding easier pathways through treacherous territory. (4)2. Sacajawea’s early life was (5) traumatic; she was stolen as a young girl from her Shoshone home by a rival tribe. Soon after, however, French-Canadian Toussaint Charbonneau bought Sacajawea and made her his wife. At age 16, she gave birth to her son and (6) with her husband, son, and the Lewis and Clark party, her trek began shortly thereafter.While historians often refer to Sacajawea as an official guide for this expedition, she was only included on (7) it’s roster because she was married to Charbonneau, a well-known fur trapper. Along the way, because of her familiarity with her homeland, she was able to serve as both an interpreter and an aid for finding shortcuts and easier routes.3. At one point on this historic journey, Sacajawea (8) is reunited with her Shoshone home and family. Although she found that (9) most - believe it or not - of her immediate family members had perished, her surviving brother, Cameahwait, had become the chief of the Shoshone tribe. Sacajawea was able to negotiate with her brother for horses and (10) supplies, as well as for a map and guide so that they could press forward with their mission. (11)4. Controversy surrounds the end of Sacajawea’s life. Some historians list (12) the year of 1812 as the year she died at the age of 25. Shoshone history, however, records Sacajawea as living the remainder of her life on the reservation where she was born and dying there at age 97.5. Many of the personal narratives of this momentous trip refer to Sacajawea’s demeanor and the oftentimes subtle role she played in the trip’s success. One such account describes a river crossing in which Sacajawea’s boat nearly capsized during a storm. As the boat tipped onto its side, Sacajawea carefully and calmly began retrieving the many books and precious instruments that fell into (13) them. Fortunately, the items had been wrapped in waterproof material and remained intact. The group was convinced that all would have been lost had it not been for Sacajawea’s methodical and composed actions.6. (14) Despite the questions surrounding her death, there is no question that Sacajawea left her mark on American history.Q. (13)

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Adapted from The Autobiography of John Adams (ed. 1856)Here I will interrupt the narration for a moment to observe that, from all I have read of the history of Greece and Rome, England and France, and all I have observed at home and abroad, articulate eloquence in public assemblies is not the surest road to fame or preferment, at least, unless it be used with caution, very rarely, and with great reserve. The examples of Washington, Franklin, and Jefferson are enough to show that silence and reserve in public, are more efficacious than argumentation or oratory. A public speaker who inserts himself, or is urged by others, into the conduct of affairs, by daily exertions to justify his measures, and answer the objections of opponents, makes himself too familiar with the public and unavoidably makes himself enemies. Few persons can bear to be outdone in reasoning or declamation or wit or sarcasm or repartee or satire, and all these things that are very apt to grow out of public debate. In this way, in a course of years, a nation becomes full of a man’s enemies, or at least, of such as have been galled in some controversy and take a secret pleasure in assisting to humble and mortify him. So much for this digression. We will now return to our memoirs.Where does the independent clause begin in the underlined sentence?a)Here I will interrupt . . .b)Unless it be used with . . .c)Articulate eloquence in public assemblies . . .d)All I have observed . . .e)From all I have read . . .Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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Adapted from The Autobiography of John Adams (ed. 1856)Here I will interrupt the narration for a moment to observe that, from all I have read of the history of Greece and Rome, England and France, and all I have observed at home and abroad, articulate eloquence in public assemblies is not the surest road to fame or preferment, at least, unless it be used with caution, very rarely, and with great reserve. The examples of Washington, Franklin, and Jefferson are enough to show that silence and reserve in public, are more efficacious than argumentation or oratory. A public speaker who inserts himself, or is urged by others, into the conduct of affairs, by daily exertions to justify his measures, and answer the objections of opponents, makes himself too familiar with the public and unavoidably makes himself enemies. Few persons can bear to be outdone in reasoning or declamation or wit or sarcasm or repartee or satire, and all these things that are very apt to grow out of public debate. In this way, in a course of years, a nation becomes full of a man’s enemies, or at least, of such as have been galled in some controversy and take a secret pleasure in assisting to humble and mortify him. So much for this digression. We will now return to our memoirs.Where does the independent clause begin in the underlined sentence?a)Here I will interrupt . . .b)Unless it be used with . . .c)Articulate eloquence in public assemblies . . .d)All I have observed . . .e)From all I have read . . .Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for ACT 2025 is part of ACT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the ACT exam syllabus. Information about Adapted from The Autobiography of John Adams (ed. 1856)Here I will interrupt the narration for a moment to observe that, from all I have read of the history of Greece and Rome, England and France, and all I have observed at home and abroad, articulate eloquence in public assemblies is not the surest road to fame or preferment, at least, unless it be used with caution, very rarely, and with great reserve. The examples of Washington, Franklin, and Jefferson are enough to show that silence and reserve in public, are more efficacious than argumentation or oratory. A public speaker who inserts himself, or is urged by others, into the conduct of affairs, by daily exertions to justify his measures, and answer the objections of opponents, makes himself too familiar with the public and unavoidably makes himself enemies. Few persons can bear to be outdone in reasoning or declamation or wit or sarcasm or repartee or satire, and all these things that are very apt to grow out of public debate. In this way, in a course of years, a nation becomes full of a man’s enemies, or at least, of such as have been galled in some controversy and take a secret pleasure in assisting to humble and mortify him. So much for this digression. We will now return to our memoirs.Where does the independent clause begin in the underlined sentence?a)Here I will interrupt . . .b)Unless it be used with . . .c)Articulate eloquence in public assemblies . . .d)All I have observed . . .e)From all I have read . . .Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for ACT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Adapted from The Autobiography of John Adams (ed. 1856)Here I will interrupt the narration for a moment to observe that, from all I have read of the history of Greece and Rome, England and France, and all I have observed at home and abroad, articulate eloquence in public assemblies is not the surest road to fame or preferment, at least, unless it be used with caution, very rarely, and with great reserve. The examples of Washington, Franklin, and Jefferson are enough to show that silence and reserve in public, are more efficacious than argumentation or oratory. A public speaker who inserts himself, or is urged by others, into the conduct of affairs, by daily exertions to justify his measures, and answer the objections of opponents, makes himself too familiar with the public and unavoidably makes himself enemies. Few persons can bear to be outdone in reasoning or declamation or wit or sarcasm or repartee or satire, and all these things that are very apt to grow out of public debate. In this way, in a course of years, a nation becomes full of a man’s enemies, or at least, of such as have been galled in some controversy and take a secret pleasure in assisting to humble and mortify him. So much for this digression. We will now return to our memoirs.Where does the independent clause begin in the underlined sentence?a)Here I will interrupt . . .b)Unless it be used with . . .c)Articulate eloquence in public assemblies . . .d)All I have observed . . .e)From all I have read . . .Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Adapted from The Autobiography of John Adams (ed. 1856)Here I will interrupt the narration for a moment to observe that, from all I have read of the history of Greece and Rome, England and France, and all I have observed at home and abroad, articulate eloquence in public assemblies is not the surest road to fame or preferment, at least, unless it be used with caution, very rarely, and with great reserve. The examples of Washington, Franklin, and Jefferson are enough to show that silence and reserve in public, are more efficacious than argumentation or oratory. A public speaker who inserts himself, or is urged by others, into the conduct of affairs, by daily exertions to justify his measures, and answer the objections of opponents, makes himself too familiar with the public and unavoidably makes himself enemies. Few persons can bear to be outdone in reasoning or declamation or wit or sarcasm or repartee or satire, and all these things that are very apt to grow out of public debate. In this way, in a course of years, a nation becomes full of a man’s enemies, or at least, of such as have been galled in some controversy and take a secret pleasure in assisting to humble and mortify him. So much for this digression. We will now return to our memoirs.Where does the independent clause begin in the underlined sentence?a)Here I will interrupt . . .b)Unless it be used with . . .c)Articulate eloquence in public assemblies . . .d)All I have observed . . .e)From all I have read . . .Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for ACT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for ACT Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Adapted from The Autobiography of John Adams (ed. 1856)Here I will interrupt the narration for a moment to observe that, from all I have read of the history of Greece and Rome, England and France, and all I have observed at home and abroad, articulate eloquence in public assemblies is not the surest road to fame or preferment, at least, unless it be used with caution, very rarely, and with great reserve. The examples of Washington, Franklin, and Jefferson are enough to show that silence and reserve in public, are more efficacious than argumentation or oratory. A public speaker who inserts himself, or is urged by others, into the conduct of affairs, by daily exertions to justify his measures, and answer the objections of opponents, makes himself too familiar with the public and unavoidably makes himself enemies. Few persons can bear to be outdone in reasoning or declamation or wit or sarcasm or repartee or satire, and all these things that are very apt to grow out of public debate. In this way, in a course of years, a nation becomes full of a man’s enemies, or at least, of such as have been galled in some controversy and take a secret pleasure in assisting to humble and mortify him. So much for this digression. We will now return to our memoirs.Where does the independent clause begin in the underlined sentence?a)Here I will interrupt . . .b)Unless it be used with . . .c)Articulate eloquence in public assemblies . . .d)All I have observed . . .e)From all I have read . . .Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Adapted from The Autobiography of John Adams (ed. 1856)Here I will interrupt the narration for a moment to observe that, from all I have read of the history of Greece and Rome, England and France, and all I have observed at home and abroad, articulate eloquence in public assemblies is not the surest road to fame or preferment, at least, unless it be used with caution, very rarely, and with great reserve. The examples of Washington, Franklin, and Jefferson are enough to show that silence and reserve in public, are more efficacious than argumentation or oratory. A public speaker who inserts himself, or is urged by others, into the conduct of affairs, by daily exertions to justify his measures, and answer the objections of opponents, makes himself too familiar with the public and unavoidably makes himself enemies. Few persons can bear to be outdone in reasoning or declamation or wit or sarcasm or repartee or satire, and all these things that are very apt to grow out of public debate. In this way, in a course of years, a nation becomes full of a man’s enemies, or at least, of such as have been galled in some controversy and take a secret pleasure in assisting to humble and mortify him. So much for this digression. We will now return to our memoirs.Where does the independent clause begin in the underlined sentence?a)Here I will interrupt . . .b)Unless it be used with . . .c)Articulate eloquence in public assemblies . . .d)All I have observed . . .e)From all I have read . . .Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Adapted from The Autobiography of John Adams (ed. 1856)Here I will interrupt the narration for a moment to observe that, from all I have read of the history of Greece and Rome, England and France, and all I have observed at home and abroad, articulate eloquence in public assemblies is not the surest road to fame or preferment, at least, unless it be used with caution, very rarely, and with great reserve. The examples of Washington, Franklin, and Jefferson are enough to show that silence and reserve in public, are more efficacious than argumentation or oratory. A public speaker who inserts himself, or is urged by others, into the conduct of affairs, by daily exertions to justify his measures, and answer the objections of opponents, makes himself too familiar with the public and unavoidably makes himself enemies. Few persons can bear to be outdone in reasoning or declamation or wit or sarcasm or repartee or satire, and all these things that are very apt to grow out of public debate. In this way, in a course of years, a nation becomes full of a man’s enemies, or at least, of such as have been galled in some controversy and take a secret pleasure in assisting to humble and mortify him. So much for this digression. We will now return to our memoirs.Where does the independent clause begin in the underlined sentence?a)Here I will interrupt . . .b)Unless it be used with . . .c)Articulate eloquence in public assemblies . . .d)All I have observed . . .e)From all I have read . . .Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Adapted from The Autobiography of John Adams (ed. 1856)Here I will interrupt the narration for a moment to observe that, from all I have read of the history of Greece and Rome, England and France, and all I have observed at home and abroad, articulate eloquence in public assemblies is not the surest road to fame or preferment, at least, unless it be used with caution, very rarely, and with great reserve. The examples of Washington, Franklin, and Jefferson are enough to show that silence and reserve in public, are more efficacious than argumentation or oratory. A public speaker who inserts himself, or is urged by others, into the conduct of affairs, by daily exertions to justify his measures, and answer the objections of opponents, makes himself too familiar with the public and unavoidably makes himself enemies. Few persons can bear to be outdone in reasoning or declamation or wit or sarcasm or repartee or satire, and all these things that are very apt to grow out of public debate. In this way, in a course of years, a nation becomes full of a man’s enemies, or at least, of such as have been galled in some controversy and take a secret pleasure in assisting to humble and mortify him. So much for this digression. We will now return to our memoirs.Where does the independent clause begin in the underlined sentence?a)Here I will interrupt . . .b)Unless it be used with . . .c)Articulate eloquence in public assemblies . . .d)All I have observed . . .e)From all I have read . . .Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Adapted from The Autobiography of John Adams (ed. 1856)Here I will interrupt the narration for a moment to observe that, from all I have read of the history of Greece and Rome, England and France, and all I have observed at home and abroad, articulate eloquence in public assemblies is not the surest road to fame or preferment, at least, unless it be used with caution, very rarely, and with great reserve. The examples of Washington, Franklin, and Jefferson are enough to show that silence and reserve in public, are more efficacious than argumentation or oratory. A public speaker who inserts himself, or is urged by others, into the conduct of affairs, by daily exertions to justify his measures, and answer the objections of opponents, makes himself too familiar with the public and unavoidably makes himself enemies. Few persons can bear to be outdone in reasoning or declamation or wit or sarcasm or repartee or satire, and all these things that are very apt to grow out of public debate. In this way, in a course of years, a nation becomes full of a man’s enemies, or at least, of such as have been galled in some controversy and take a secret pleasure in assisting to humble and mortify him. So much for this digression. We will now return to our memoirs.Where does the independent clause begin in the underlined sentence?a)Here I will interrupt . . .b)Unless it be used with . . .c)Articulate eloquence in public assemblies . . .d)All I have observed . . .e)From all I have read . . .Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice ACT tests.
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