Which statement best describes the obituary?

• A. A private letter announcing a death to close friends.
• B. A legal document filed with the court.
• C. A public notice of death including a brief biography.
• D. A schedule of funeral events.

Answer: (C)

An obituary is a public notice of death that includes a brief biography. This format is meant to inform the community about the passing and to share a short sense of who the person was—often including their name, age, death details, and a concise summary of life milestones or achievements. It may also provide information about funeral or memorial services and ways to honor the deceased.

That makes it the best description because it combines the announcement with a respectful, compact life story for public readers. A private note to close friends wouldn’t reach the wider community or include a life summary. A legal filing with the court is about formal proceedings and rights, not about sharing a life story. A schedule of funeral events is important information, but the obituary’s purpose goes beyond scheduling to briefly capture the person’s life for public remembrance.