PrepTest 121, Section 2, Question 2
Social scientists have traditionally defined multipolar international systems(464 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(10 more words not shown)
- AThe weaknesses of(13 more words not shown)
- BA prediction is(13 more words not shown)
- CA new argument(12 more words not shown)
- DTwentieth-century European history(11 more words not shown)
- EThe typical characteristics(10 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
The third paragraph says that we should reassess the theories. What does the last paragraph add? Historical reasons: multipolar Europe led into devastating wars, while the bipolar Cold War may have helped maintain general peace. I'd describe its job as extending the reassessment with evidence from twentieth-century history.
Working the answers
- A
It doesn't discuss weaknesses of both systems. The multipolar example shows danger, but the Cold War example identifies a possible stabilizing benefit of bipolarity. That contrast matters to the argument.
- B
This paragraph looks back at wars and the Cold War. It isn't predicting a future European security arrangement.
- C
No recommendation to embrace a new bipolar system appears. Showing how bipolarity may have supported peace is different from directing governments to recreate it.
- DCorrect
The history expands the previous paragraph's argument that the conventional assumptions need reconsideration. It gives us examples that challenge both sides of the old contrast.
- E
The final sentence mentions features of a bipolar system, such as two major members and one axis of conflict. But the paragraph isn't reviewing the characteristics of those countries. It uses the arrangement to explain possible stability, alongside the contrasting multipolar history.
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