To answer this question correctly, students must select Fact 2 and Fact 4 and explain how each might lead them to question the reliability of Down’s argument on slavery. Fact 2 establishes that Downs was a slaveholder, which indicates that Downs had a vested interest in defending the institution of slavery. Fact 4 establishes that Downs represented a pro-slavery constituency and therefore had a political incentive to defend slavery.
Level: Proficient
Student selects the correct facts and explains how each casts doubt on the reliability of the document.
Level: Emergent
Student selects the correct facts but does not provide an adequate or complete explanation of how each would lead them to question the reliability of the document.
Level: Basic
Student does not select the correct facts or selects the correct facts but does not provide a relevant explanation.
