Solitary Passages Questions - - Question 4
In the passage, the author is primarily concerned with doing which one of the following?
Replies
Ravi January 5, 2019
@Steph,Happy to help. The question asks us to identify the answer choice that
describes what the author is primarily concerned with doing in the
passage. From reading the text, we know that the author discusses
three different theories that could explain the extinction of
dinosaurs, but she also spends much more time on the third theory and
goes into detail about why it's better than the other two. That's the
basic gist of this passage.
In looking at the answer choices, we want to find the answer that best
matches our prediction for what the answer will be.
Answer A says the author is describing three theories and explaining
why the latest of these appears to be the best of the three. This is
great; it's an excellent paraphrase of what we outlined as the primary
purpose of the passage. This is our answer.
Answer B is incorrect because it doesn't mention anything about the
third theory and how the author likes it the most. This is a bad
answer.
Answer C is incorrect because the author does not outline the
inadequacies of the third theory; rather, she provides lots of support
for why it has greater explanatory powers than the other two do. This
is a wrong answer.
Answer D is incorrect because 1) it doesn't paraphrase what we
predicted was the primary concern of the author and 2) the author
doesn't even include a general assertion that theories must often be
revised in light of new evidence. This answer is out.
Answer E is incorrect because it fails to mention all three theories
that are discussed in the passage. The author's primary concern is
laying out the three theories and showing why the third is the best.
This answer is out.
Does this make sense? Let us know if you have any more questions!
Steph January 6, 2019
Yes thank you!
Ravi January 7, 2019
@Steph, you're welcome!