group. Despite widespread support for the elimination of prejudice,
most whites do not favor the preferential treatment of minority appli-
cants, and affirmative action in college admissions has been abolished
in several states. In my view, this trend is very dangerous not only for
minority students but for all students. Thanks to a diversified student
body, my classes today are much richer than when I began teaching in
the 1960s. For example, when I teach A Light in Augustby William
Faulkner, as I do every fall, today there is likely to be a student in the
class who has firsthand knowledge of the prejudice that is a central
theme of the novel. This student’s contribution to the class discussion
of the novel is an invaluable part of all my students’ education and a
boon to my experience as a teacher.
Some may argue that affirmative action had its place in the years
following the Civil Rights Movement, but that it is no longer neces-
sary. To assume that all students are now on a level playing field is
naïve. Take for example the extra-curricular activities, AP classes, and
internships that help certain applicants impress the admissions board:
These are not available or economically feasible for many minority
candidates. This is just one example of why affirmative action still has
an important place on American campuses. When all things are equal,
choosing the minority candidate not only gives minorities fair access
to institutions of higher learning, but it ensures diversity on our cam-
puses. Exposing all students to a broad spectrum of American society
is a lesson that may be the one that best prepares them to participate
in American society and succeed in the future.- In line 4, the phrase a lesson in homogeneitycan be most accurately
described as
a. a slight against civil rights workers.
b.an ironic observation about the uniform character of the stu-
dent body.
c. a comment on the poor quality of the education at Big State U.
d.a sarcastic comment about the authors’ former students.
e.the author’s’ rueful view of his poor teaching skills. - In line 10, the expression sea changemeans
a. increase.
b.storm.
c. decrease.
d.wave.
e.transformation.
(30)
(35)
(40)
(45)
(50)