Despite growing up in poverty in rural Mississippi, Oprah Winfrey became one of the most influential media figures in American history. Her grandmother taught her to read at age three, and she won a full scholarship to Tennessee State University. She credits her early education and determination as the keys to overcoming her circumstances.
It can be inferred from the text that
early educational opportunities can help individuals overcome disadvantaged backgrounds
only people from rural areas can become successful media figures
Oprah's success was entirely due to luck
Tennessee State University only admits students from Mississippi
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. Oprah credits early education with helping her overcome poverty.
- Context clues: Learned to read at three; "credits her early education" as key to overcoming circumstances.
- Meaning: The connection between early learning and later success suggests education helps overcome obstacles.
- Verify: The scholarship further shows how education opened doors.
💡 Strategy: When someone attributes their success to a specific factor, that suggests its general importance.
Choice B is incorrect because nothing suggests rural origin is necessary for success. Choice C is incorrect because she credits education and determination, not luck. Choice D is incorrect because the passage doesn't make claims about admission policies.