Read the passage.
excerpt from "Background on Judge Sonia Sotomayor" The White House Office of the Press Secretary
Sonia Sotomayor has served as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit since October 1998. She has been hailed as "one of the ablest federal judges currently sitting" for her thoughtful opinions, and as "a role model of aspiration, discipline, commitment, intellectual prowess, and integrity" for her ascent to the federal bench from an upbringing in a South Bronx housing project.
Her American story and three-decade career in nearly every aspect of the law provide Judge Sotomayor with unique qualifications to be the next Supreme Court Justice. She is a distinguished graduate of two of America's leading universities. She has been a big-city prosecutor and a corporate litigator. Before she was promoted to the Second Circuit by President Clinton, she was appointed to the District Court for the Southern District of New York by President George H.W. Bush. She replaces Justice Souter as the only Justice with experience as a trial judge.
Judge Sotomayor served 11 years on the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, one of the most demanding circuits in the country, and has handed down decisions on a range of complex legal and constitutional issues. If confirmed, Sotomayor would bring more federal judicial experience to the Supreme Court than any justice in 100 years, and more overall judicial experience than anyone confirmed for the Court in the past 70 years. Judge Richard C. Wesley, a George W. Bush appointee to the Second Circuit, said "Sonia is an outstanding colleague with a keen legal mind. She brings a wealth of knowledge and hard work to all her endeavors on our court. It is both a pleasure and an honor to serve with her."
In addition to her distinguished judicial service, Judge Sotomayor is a Lecturer at Columbia University Law School and was also an adjunct professor at New York University Law School until 2007.
Question 1
Part A
Which response best states a main idea of “Background on Judge Sonia Sotomayor”?
Responses
Although her family was not rich, Sonia had an ideal childhood.
Sonia is not afraid to challenge those in power to do what is right.
While attending law school, Sonia also worked in journalism.
Sonia is better qualified than other current Supreme Court justices.
Question 2
Part B
Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A?
Responses
“At Yale Law School, Judge Sotomayor served as an editor of the , Yale Law Journal , and as managing editor of the , Yale Studies in World Public Order, .”
“Judge Sonia Sotomayor has lived the American dream.”
“…yielding a depth of experience and a breadth of perspectives that will be invaluable – and is currently not represented – on our highest court.”
“…Robert Klonoff (now Dean of Lewis & Clark Law School), remembers her intellectual toughness from law school: ‘She would stand up for herself and not be intimidated by anyone.’ [Washington Post, 5/7/09]”
