PrepTest 104, Section 2, Question 23
In The Dynamics of Apocalypse, John Lowe attempts(441 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(8 more words not shown)
- AIn The Dynamics(23 more words not shown)
- BIn The Dynamics(32 more words not shown)
- CIn The Dynamics(22 more words not shown)
- DAlthough John Lowe's(25 more words not shown)
- EWhile John Lowe's(24 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
We've already predicted both halves of the main point: Lowe gives a plausible explanation involving pressures set off by population growth, but an incomplete archaeological record leaves that explanation uncertain. We're looking for some version of that balance. “Proved” would go too far; “shown to be wrong” would go too far in the other direction.
Working the answers
- A
“Successfully proves” is the problem. Lowe presents an explanation that fits the available evidence, but the final paragraph questions whether that evidence accurately represents what happened.
- B
This captures his use of dated monuments, so it's worth considering. But it leaves out the entire final qualification. It also calls that approach new ground, even though paragraph 1 says he uses monuments “Like previous investigators.” It isn't the balanced assessment we predicted.
- C
Monument construction supplies evidence for a larger reconstruction. Documenting when construction declined and stopped isn't the central claim about Lowe's explanation of the civilization's collapse.
- D
We haven't established that Lowe's account is inaccurate. Better evidence might undermine it; that's a reason for caution, not a finding that he is wrong.
- ECorrect
“Appears credible” matches the description of the explanation as plausible. The qualification captures the problem: Lowe assumes the available record gives a true picture, and fitting his theory to that same record doesn't independently confirm its accuracy. This includes the uncertainty B leaves out.
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