Which statement best describes the reader's engagement with poetry in the passage?

Which statement best describes the reader's engagement with poetry in the passage?

• A. Many lay people spend substantial time reading poetry.
• B. Poetry is widely understood by lay readers.
• C. Few lay people will spend the time to read poetry
• D. Poetry is generally loved by all audiences.

Answer: (C)

Engagement with poetry among lay readers is portrayed as limited and selective. The passage suggests poetry asks for time and effort, and only a small number of non-experts are willing to devote that time to reading it. That makes the statement about few lay people spending time to read poetry the best fit, as it directly captures the level of involvement described. The other ideas would require broader reading, understanding, or affection that the passage doesn’t indicate—for instance, widespread reading time, broad comprehension, or universal fondness among all audiences. The emphasis on time spent points to a more restricted engagement.

Engagement with poetry among lay readers is portrayed as limited and selective. The passage suggests poetry asks for time and effort, and only a small number of non-experts are willing to devote that time to reading it. That makes the statement about few lay people spending time to read poetry the best fit, as it directly captures the level of involvement described.

The other ideas would require broader reading, understanding, or affection that the passage doesn’t indicate—for instance, widespread reading time, broad comprehension, or universal fondness among all audiences. The emphasis on time spent points to a more restricted engagement.