Question

Read the passage about the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. There had been noticed for many days before a trembling of the earth, which did not alarm us much, as this is quite an ordinary occurrence in Campania; but it was so particularly violent that night that it not only shook but actually overturned, as it would seem, everything about us. –Letter to Cornelius Tacitus, Pliny the Younger Which question should be asked to verify that the source is credible? A. Does Pliny include emotions in this description? B. Is there evidence that supports Pliny’s description? C. Does Pliny share his perspective in this description? D.Is there relevant information in Pliny’s description?

Answer 1

Answer: B Is there evidence that supports Pliny’s description?

Answer 2

Answer:

B. Is there evidence that supports Pliny’s description?

Explanation:

In the excerpt, Pliny is describing a particularly strong earthquake in the region sorrounding Mount Vesuvious, presumably affecting the cities of Pompey and Naples.

In order to see if the information in the excerpt is true, researches should look for evidence that supports the occurence of a strong earthquake in the area, during the time when the letter was written. There are many techniques to look for evidence, from archeology to earth sciences.