Some educators claim that it is best that school courses cover only basic subject matter, but cover it in depth. The...

Victoria on May 9, 2019

Hello Shiyi-Zhang,

Let's go over the question stem and the argument it is presenting.

The question stem states that some educators argue that "it is best that school courses cover only basic subject matter, but cover it in depth." The educators argue that, to best equip students for further individual study, students should be taught basic concepts and investigatory techniques. The reasoning they provide to support the argument is that, if students learn a lot of information but do not understand its significance (I.e. basic concepts and investigatory techniques as opposed to facts), they will not be well-equipped to further explore these subjects on their own.

We are looking for an answer choice that can be accepted based on the educators' reasoning that teaching students basic concepts and investigatory techniques is better than simply providing them with factual information.

D is correct because it is corroborated by the educators' reasoning. If students learn how to analyze a selection of Greek tragedies in detail, it will be easier for them to understand any one Greek tragedy that they may encounter later on.

With regard to your point that the question stem mentions "a lot of factual information" and answer choice D says "a few" Greek tragedies, the use of "a lot of factual information" refers to the strategy that the educators are arguing should not be employed. Analyzing a few Greek tragedies in detail, on the other hand, would provide students with a "solid grasp of the basic concepts and investigatory techniques," thus better equipping them to understand Greek tragedies in the future.

Hope this was helpful! Please let us know if you have any further questions.