Q3

[dayani_elika]

What is the difference between B and C. I chose C, I understand why B can be correct but why cant C be correct? I would really appreciate it if someone could please explain. Thank you.

[rinagoldfield]

Hard passage!

This question asks us to relate the 2nd paragraph to the passage as a whole. So let’s think about that a bit before diving into the answer choices. Here’s how I’d summarize the passage:

P1: Description of a problem (the dangers of offshore platforms); description of a possible solution (redesign pumps)

P2: More detail about proposed solution (the two different kinds of pumps)

P3: More detail, another solution (eliminate offshore platforms)

So the 2nd paragraph basically offers more detail about the stuff discussed in the 1st paragraph. (B) says this, and is supported.

(C) is definitely tempting. But note that it talks about a "claim" made in the first paragraph. A "claim" is an opinion. The author doesn’t really offer any opinions here. Rather, the author’s tone is pretty neutral throughout. The 2nd paragraph discusses the pros and cons of different pumps, not the pros and cons of a claim made in the first paragraph. (C) is unsupported.

(A) discusses a flawed argument, but the passage contains no such thing.
(D) suggests that the 2nd paragraph "detracts," but I’d say it "fleshes out."
(E) implies that there’s a kind of argument happening here. There isn’t.

Hope that helps!

[colonizemarsalready]

Please help...I eliminated C because it states "...enhances the author's discussion by objectively presenting in detail the pros and cons", and the passage says "...the positive-displacement pump is promising because..." (lines 30-31), isn't that not-objective?

[tommywallach]

You can have an opinion and still be objective. Particularly if your opinion is simply that something shows promise.