Q9

[jardinsouslapluie5]

Could you explain the difference between (B) and (C)?
Thank you

[giladedelman]

The key in answering these synthesis (or "main point") questions is to identify the author's argument. In this passage, the author's voice becomes apparent in the second paragraph, when he or she argues that in attributing the differences between Tuscan and Venetian paintings to attitudes about history, "Brown has overlooked some practical influences, such as climate." So the author is arguing that other factors, not just attitudes about history, influenced the differences between the two regions' paintings.

That's why (B) is correct: it identifies the author's argument.

(C) is too narrow in scope. It describes one of the main differences between Tuscan and Venetian narrative paintings, but it does not include the author's argument that Brown's explanation leaves out some important factors.

(A) is extremely narrow in scope. This is just one small point in the passage.

(D) is unsupported. The passage suggests that Tuscans were good at depicting human forms and Venetians were good at depicting buildings, but never compares these two skills.

(E) seems to be supported at the end of the second paragraph, but again, it's way too narrow.

Hope that clears this up for you.