Question

read this excerpt. the author includes this paragraph in the beginning of the selection to a orient the reader to the central focus of the selection. b explain why amelia earharts experiences were common to all pilots. c describe the traits that set amelia earhart apart from other pilots during this time. d highlight both the adventures and dangers of flying. in our history books, there are many examples of fearless pilots who set off in their planes, disappearing without a trace into the unknown. some have called them brave while others criticize them for being foolhardy. others say they were simply unlucky. these fliers are remembered not just because of their skills and knowledge, but also because of their mysterious and tragic deaths. some doomed explorers left hints about their final fate: route and flight plans, static - filled or faded radio transmissions, warnings of violent weather encounters, odd compass readings. some planes have completely disappeared, becoming the most perplexing unsolved mysteries of our time.

Explanation:

• Option A: The excerpt talks about fearless pilots (including likely Amelia Earhart contextually) and their mysterious/tragic fates. The opening paragraph in a selection like this would orient readers to the central focus (mysterious pilot disappearances/aviation mysteries).
• Option B: The excerpt doesn't focus on explaining why Earhart's experiences were common to all pilots; it's about pilots in general with mysterious fates, so B is incorrect.
• Option C: The excerpt doesn't describe traits that set Earhart apart from others; it's about pilots' disappearances and mysteries, so C is incorrect.
• Option D: While it mentions dangers (disappearing, tragic deaths), the "adventures" aspect isn't highlighted—focus is on mysteries and fates, not the adventure of flying. So D is incorrect.

Answer:

A. orient the reader to the central focus of the selection.