PrepTest 101, Section 4, Question 21
Two impressive studies have reexamined Eric Williams' conclusion(454 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(8 more words not shown)
- AAlthough they disagree(26 more words not shown)
- BAlthough both Drescher(22 more words not shown)
- CBecause he has(26 more words not shown)
- DNeither Eltis nor(23 more words not shown)
- EAlthough flawed in(21 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
We've already predicted that Williams's economic explanation is partly right but needs revision. The ending preserves an economic motive while questioning his claim that the colonies were failing. We're looking for some version of that qualified conclusion.
What we’re looking for
Our answer should also fit the discussion of both newer studies. Simply saying that money mattered would miss the reevaluation that brought us to that conclusion.
Working the answers
- A
Neither a shared endorsement of moral persuasion nor its significant role is established. Drescher rejects an account centered simply on abolitionists' moral vision, and Eltis develops an economic explanation.
- BCorrect
The opening introduces two studies that “have reexamined” Williams's conclusion; the ending calls his economic insight “partly accurate.” This captures both the challenge and the part that survives. Economic motives can matter even if Williams was wrong about the colonies' decline.
- C
The author doesn't rank Drescher above Eltis. Drescher leaves a question unresolved, and Eltis supplies an answer to it.
- D
Only Drescher is said to leave the broad support unexplained. The next paragraph introduces Eltis's answer, so we can't characterize both studies as failing in this way.
- E
This vindicates the wrong part of Williams's account. His economic motive receives qualified support, but Eltis says he may have underestimated the colonies' viability. That challenges his assessment of their condition.
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