PrepTest 117, Section 1, Question 9
In the field of historiography—the writing of history(454 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(15 more words not shown)
- Ato suggest that(13 more words not shown)
- Bto argue that(8 more words not shown)
- Cto provide examples(10 more words not shown)
- Dto demonstrate that(15 more words not shown)
- Eto claim that(19 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
The third paragraph shows what the Chinese settlers noticed and did differently. Swamp could mean water and fertile soil; a weed could mean valuable spices. My first thought is that these examples show why their contribution matters to the region's history.
What we’re looking for
For this paragraph specifically, look for the different view of the land that those examples illustrate.
Working the answers
- A
The examples emphasize differences from other settlers' responses, not a typical settlement pattern.
- B
The shortage of written records is explained in the previous paragraph. Here we turn to what the settlers' actions reveal, rather than argue that their writings failed to survive.
- CCorrect
Other settlers saw useless swamp and nuisance weeds. Chinese settlers saw agricultural opportunities. Those contrasts illustrate their distinctive view of the land and why examining their actions adds something to the historical account.
- D
We aren't shown historians arguing with each other in this paragraph. We're shown settlers recognizing opportunities.
- E
Adding a perspective omitted from the traditional record doesn't necessarily contradict that record. The paragraph provides examples of the Chinese settlers' view, not a comparison showing that the old accounts were inconsistent with their actions.
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