Below are Maddie’s claim and one of the pieces of text evidence she plans to use in a literary analysis of Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography.

Claim: Throughout his autobiography, Franklin demonstrates his belief that success is the product of hard work rather than of the opportunities one receives in life.


Evidence: Franklin purchased a copy of the Spectator saying, “I bought it, read it over, and was much delighted with it. I thought the writing excellent, and wished, if possible, to imitate it.”

Which sentence offers an explanation that connects the text evidence to the claim?

A.
Franklin decided he wanted to improve his writing skills by analyzing the style of other writers.
B.
Franklin had only two years of formal education, attending school between the ages of eight and ten.
C.
Despite being largely self-educated, Franklin became one of the most influential Americans of the 18th century.
D.
As a printer’s apprentice, Franklin had access to many different types of books, from tales of fiction to poetry.