We are asked to describe the function of lines 18-42.
To answer this question, we need to start by looking at these lines. - Lines 18-25 make up the end of the first paragraph. This section makes the point that professionals publicly profess devotion but that this "public announcement seems insufficient" in defining a profession. - Lines 26-37 make up the second paragraph. This section makes the point that "some believe learning and knowledge are the diagnostic signs of a profession...yet it is not only the pursuit and acquisition of knowledge that makes one a professional." - Lines 38-42 make up the beginning of the third paragraph. This section makes the point that "some mistakenly" attribute the professional quality to "the prestige and honor accorded to professions by society...but externalities do not constitute medicine a profession."
What do these sections have in common? Each section introduces an attribute that some people believe to be the telling sign in determining a profession, and each section then proceeds to dismiss the identified sign as insufficient.
(C) "The author considers, and largely criticizes, several definitions of what constitutes a profession" is the only answer choice that accurately summarizes this, and it is therefore correct.
Does that make sense? Please let us know if you have any other questions!
