Read the following excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's "Letter from Birmingham," then answer the
question.
(1) "While confined here in the Birmingham City Jail, I came across your recent statement calling our present
activities 'unwise and untimely.' (2) Seldom, if ever, do I pause to answer criticism of my work and ideas. (3)
If I sought to answer all the criticisms that cross my desk, my secretaries would be engaged in little else in
the course of the day and I would have no time for constructive work. (4) But since I feel that you are men of
genuine goodwill and your criticisms are sincerely set forth, I would like to answer your statement in what I
hope will be patient and reasonable terms."
In sentence 4 (reproduced below), the writer is considering deleting the underlined text.
But since I feel that you are men of genuine goodwill and your criticisms are sincerely set forth, I would like
to answer your statement in what I hope will be patient and reasonable terms.
Should the writer keep or delete the underlined text? (5 points)
Keep it, because it appeals to his audience's needs, values, and experiences.
Keep it, because it provides commentary necessary to the line of reasoning.
Delete it, because it adds unnecessary wordiness and distracts from the claim.
Delete it, because it only repeats sentiments already expressed by the writer.

Explanation: By acknowledging the goodwill of the audience and the sincerity of their criticisms, the writer is showing respect and understanding towards them. This can help establish a connection and create a more receptive atmosphere for the response that follows.

2. Keep it, because it provides commentary necessary to the line of reasoning.

Explanation: The statement about the audience's goodwill and sincere criticisms sets the tone for the writer's response. It helps justify why the writer is taking the time to address the criticisms and emphasizes the importance of engaging in constructive dialogue.

3. Delete it, because it adds unnecessary wordiness and distracts from the claim.

Explanation: This underlined text may be seen as adding unnecessary length to the sentence. If the main point is to address the criticisms in a patient and reasonable manner, the additional commentary about the audience's goodwill and sincerity may not be essential to the central argument.

4. Delete it, because it only repeats sentiments already expressed by the writer.

Explanation: If the writer has already conveyed similar sentiments earlier in the text or if the sentiment is already implied through the context of the message, deleting this particular statement may help in avoiding redundancy and keeping the response concise.

In conclusion, the decision to keep or delete the underlined text in sentence 4 depends on the writer's intention to establish rapport with the audience, set the tone for the response, maintain conciseness, and avoid repeating sentiments unnecessarily